July 2012 by Youth Incorporated Magazine

POOJA MISRRA: THE 'SPARE ME' GAL'S MESSAGE FOR THE YOUTH EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN

JULY 2012 || ` 50

www.youthincmag.com

I AM

WHO

I AM

6 inspiring life stories

1st ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

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Volume 2 Issue 1 July 2012

Editorial Editor-in-Chief NITISH SHAH Executive Editor SHRADDHA KAMDAR

Editor's

note

Managing Editor MINAL PATODIA Head Correspondent BEVERLY PEREIRA Senior Correspondent VATSALA CHHIBBER Contributors ALARIC MORAS ABISHA FERNANDES

Art & Design

BIPIN BALAKRISHNAN MOULVI ABBAS HASAN

Ad Sales

SONAM JAISWAL sales.sr@youthincmag.com JITEN JURIANI sales.hd@youthincmag.com

Marketing

ANYA GONCHAROVA ZAINAB SIDHPURWALA SAGAR SHAH marketing@youthincmag.com

Circulation

NISHANT SHINDE

Administration

ZAINAB MAIMOON For Advertising, Subscriptions and Circulation mail@youthincmag.com +91-22-2351-6622 / 6609 Printed and Published by Nitish Shah on behalf of Splash Publication Pvt Ltd Published at: 9 Forjett Hill, British Express Bldg, 2nd floor, Mumbai 400036. Editor: Nitish Shah

Admin office: F9&10, Commerce Centre, 6th Floor, 78 Tardeo Road, Mumbai 400034.

Printed at: Repro India Ltd Plot No 50/2, TTC MIDC Industrial Area, Mahape Navi Mumbai 400 710. District Thane All content in print and online is owned by Splash Publication Pvt Ltd under international copyright laws. No part of the content can be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publishers. Publishers will not be held responsible for the content of the magazine including accuracy and effects. All disputes subject to the jurisdiction of competant courts in Mumbai only.

One Year On... This is an exceptional time as Youth Incorporated celebrates its first anniversary issue. It has been a fantastic year that just flew by and now when I see all our 12 issues together, it fills me with immense pride and satisfaction. I must admit that the last year has been a great rollercoaster ride with all kinds of emotions and experiences ranging from meeting students, professors, principals, youth prodigies, to covering college festivals, fashion shows and panel discussions. A big thanks to our entire Youth Inc team has worked very hard to make our magazine an astounding success. I especially wish to thank my dear friends Priyanka Miglani, Ranauq Roy and Shaan Shahani who have extended invaluable support at all times. For our anniversary issue we ran a writing contest among students from various schools and colleges, and from the hundreds of applicants, we carefully chose a brilliant team of 11 budding journalists who comprised our Junior Editorial Board (JEB). These outstanding students are the ones who put together this anniversary issue for you. It has been an absolute pleasure working with this young and energetic team and its just amazing to see so much talent and drive from them. I am confident that their take on things, their passion for youth-related issues and their vision for a bright future will be infectious and make for an enjoyable read. Our cover story is one that is very close to my heart as it represents humankind in its truest form. I AM WHO I AM brings forward 6 inspiring young people who have, inspite of their adverse circumstances, shown courage and strength to overcome the challenges that they have faced. These youth are indeed an inspiration to all of us as we have all witnessed some of these feelings at some point in our lives. We salute these individuals for their courage to speak up. As Oprah Winfrey rightly says, "You've got to follow your passion. You've got to figure out what it is you love--who you really are. And have the courage to do that. I believe that the only courage anybody ever needs is the courage to follow your own dream." We have followed our dream to bring about awareness, hope and change for the youth in the form of this magazine and will continue to do so with your support and encouragement. I thank all our readers and fans for believing in us.

Nitish Shah

JULY 2012 â&#x2022;&#x2018; Youth Incorporated

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contents JULY 2012

ON THE COVER

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

22 THE WORKING STUDENT

The rising trend of students who work part time while completing their education

52 THE 'SPARE ME' GAL

What Pooja Misrra stands for and how she dealt with bullies in the Bigg Boss house

PAGE

59 WORD!

I AM WHO I AM Cover Story

In a society that is quick to judge, the youth of today fall back when it comes to finding their identity. The Junior Editorial Board who worked with the Youth Inc team identified with this issue and spoke their mind in a cover story that highlights why youngsters fail to find themselves. We also explore six inspiring life stories of young people who found it in themselves to come out on their own and shine bright exactly as they were meant to!

(Educate) FOCUS FEATURE 24 LOCAL VS FOREIGN BOARDS DEBATE

Everything you wanted to know about the difference between IB, IGCSE, SSC and ICSE boards

26 WHO’S THE SMARTEST OF THEM ALL? Proving wrong all those myths that surround the arts and commerce stream

WALK OF LIFE 28 SINCERELY, ME!

A look at what your email sign-off says about you

FOREIGN SHORES 30 THE INTERNATIONAL ATTRACTION

An objective view of students’ choices when it comes to studying abroad

32 THE INDIAN CHARM What is it that lures foreign students to study in India?

www.youthincmag.com

An in-depth look at journalism as a lucrative career

72 THAT'S COMICAL!

Are superheroes more powerful in comic books or on the big screen?

78 DEALING WITH A CRUSH

Learn how to handle being around the person who causes butterflies in your stomach

AWARENESS 34 THE YOUNG AND THE COMATOSE

Why the young expects change without even making their way to the voting booth

OUT OF THE BOX 56 BLOG ON!

Blogging has moved on from being just a hobby to a fun career

O N L I N E E XC L U S I V E S GO WEST?

Are you confused whether to study in India or abroad? We offer you some clarity on this dilemma

NAFSA 64th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO, HOUSTON Exclusive coverage of one of the largest international educators networking meet

AHEAD OF THE ELECTIONS: UNECESSARY HYPE?

Why is India going gaga over the next President?

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IN CONVERSATION 62 AN ALL-ROUND EDUCATION

A tête-à-tête with Parashar Thakkar and his methods of teaching

86 GRADUATING IN STYLE

Mod’art India’s graduating students put up a fashion show that is a real visual treat

INSIDE DOPE 64 BOMBAY SCOTTISH SCHOOL

SPORTS 96 AN OLYMPIAN TASK?

Take a walk through a school that was originally open only to those of Scottish descent

A look at the promising Indian athletes who could bring home Olympic glory

PRODIGY 66 THE BUDDING STAR

FITNESS 100 A SPICY WORKOUT!

Young actor Darsheel Safary on his likes, dislikes and plans for the future

STUDENT SPEAK 68 THE ONLY ABSOLUTE TRUTH

A students talks about her passion and love for mathematics

Meet Sarina Jain, the creator of Masala Bhangra, a new fitness craze

HEALTH 102 WHY ME?

88 DELICIOUS DESIGNS

Meet the founder of Paani Puri Clothing as he tells us about his quirky collections

104 IOS VS ANDROID The battle that has everyone choosing sides

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE 76 MEDIA EMPIRE

STAPLEdiet

Find out how the media impacts and shapes our everyday lives

EDITOR’S NOTE…6

YOUTH ISSUES 80 EAST VS WEST

EDITORIAL CONNECT…20

Are we losing perspective and blindly aping the West?

These activities will definitely lure adventure enthusiasts

TECHNOLOGY 103 CRACKBERRY PLIGHTS

Is BlackBerry losing its edge over Android phones?

(Entertain)

OFF THE MAP 82 BORN TO EXPLORE

How to deal with the root causes of frustration

EVENT DIARY…33 89 RETURN OF THE PEPLUM The trend that has travelled to celebrity wardrobes across the world 90 DIY HAIR BANDS

Transform your simple hair band into a chic new hair accessory

91 MONSOON MUST-HAVES

Use these products to glam up during the wet season

COUNSELLOR Q&A…54 WORD ZONE…70 MODEL WATCH…92 DR GOOD SKIN…93 REFRESH…99 DROOL OF THE MONTH…105 IMHO…106 RESTOMETER…108 CELEB TADKA…109 HANGOVER…110

ECOWATCH 84 RAIN WATER HARVESTING

RISING STARS…111

Tired of dealing with frequent water shortages? Rain water harvesting is the solution for you

FASHION 85 HOW IMPORTANT IS THE WAY I DRESS

Does the emphasis on inner beauty give way to sloppy dressing?

STAR STRUCK…112 AWARENESS 94 AN EVENING OF INSPIRATION

‘Inspiration’ 2012 was a truly informative and enriching experience

GRAFFITI…114 COVER PHOTO CREDIT: ROHAN FERNANDES, ANKHI MAULIK, M.FAHIM

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Creative. • World’s top 100 creative university • 107 years as part of world renowned University of London • Academic excellence – ranked 9th in the UK for world-leading research (RAE 2008) • Internationally renowned for its creative and innovative approach • “Goldsmiths has its own distinctive ﬂavour. Reputed as a creative and cognitive university, being a student at Goldsmiths has broadened my horizons and enabled me to think beyond what I considered to be my limits.” Mahima, MSc Occupational Psychology • Anthropology

• History

• Art

• History of Art

• Art & Dance Psychotherapy

• Management Studies

• Community and Youth Work • Computing

• Media and Communications

• Counselling and Therapy

• Music

• Creative, Cultural and Social Entrepreneurship

• Politics and International Studies

• Cultural Studies

• Psychology

• Curating

• Social Work

• Design

• Sociology

• Digital Media

• Theatre and Performance

• Education and Teacher Training

• English, Linguistics and Comparative Literature

india@gold.ac.uk

www.gold.ac.uk/international Committed to equality and diversity

Gold Smith.indd 13

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Nisarg

Bilal Sahil

Razi

Aditya

Nirva

Jainam

Priyanka

Suhani

Unnati Pankhuri

The Junior Editorial Board It all started with an ordinary competition. My class teacher selected me and some of my fellow classmates for an essay writing competition. A few weeks later, I got a phone call to say that I had been selected to write for Youth Incorporated! I was called to the office and we began the ideation process. We were also shown how a magazine is put together and given various tips on writing. I really enjoyed the sessions we had with everyone in the YI team. It was a pleasure working for such a famous magazine and I look forward to more of such opportunities! -Jainam Shah

Being a part of the Junior Editorial Board of Youth Incorporated’s first anniversary issue has been one of the most intellectually stimulating tasks I have ever undertaken. Sitting across each other in the easygoing yet promising conference room, the eleven of us brainstormed tirelessly with our fantastic mentors. As a budding writer, this was a learning experience for me, right from writing drafts for stories to holding the actual, glossy finished piece in your hands. I must give this magazine full credit for me finally experiencing the much-anticipated writer’s block! With so many stories to finish in such a short span of time, my writing abilities were tested to the core. Juggling school and work wasn’t easy, but it was worth it! A Junior Editorial Board must become an annual tradition; I hope to be back! -Priyanka Banerjee

I was wandering aimlessly in a bookstore and that is how I got introduced to Youth Incorporated and the Junior Editorial Board. This curiosity led me on to meet with the editorial team. I can classify this opportunity as one of the best things that have happened to me till date. I’ve always been an ardent writer; it has been one of my dreams to be a part of a magazine. Youth Inc fulfilled this! Living in Pune did affect my daily routine but thankfully, I had vacations going on so I could be in Mumbai to attend the training. Naturally, I learnt a lot. We were briefed about the working of a magazine, its printing from start to end, social media and marketing, and most importantly, about what an editorial board of a magazine does. Penning down the articles for the magazine was thrilling. So to all the readers out there, I hope you’ll have a gala time reading the anniversary issue! -Pankhuri Shukla

The moment I stepped out of the Youth incorporated office after my interview, the excitement got the better of me. I couldn’t stop smiling and thinking about what was going to happen next. It was hard to believe that I had been selected by one of my favourite magazines to be a part of its Junior Editorial Board! I learnt a lot during my time there. Under the guidance of the sweet and helpful correspondents, I realised how much more I have to learn in the field of writing. I also realised how much effort and patience goes into publishing a magazine and that it isn’t merely a set of articles; it is a result of hard work, thought and research. My experience at this magazine has been priceless and is something that I would never trade and that includes my summer holidays! -Nirva Vira

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It’s at the onset of every vacation that joblessness strikes. Thanks to Youth Incorporated, this wasn’t the case this year. Getting selected for JEB was a pleasant surprise. Not so much for the thrill of entering a workplace than the thought of working for a magazine that has the ‘oomph’ factor appealing to the youth. Much like YI, the office where we got to work was relaxed, fun-loving and a place to learn. We got engrossed in the making of the July issue as the guys at YI interacted with us freely and showed us exactly how a magazine is made. We hit upon a central theme, allocated the work amongst us and got down to it. The journalist within each of us rose to the occasion as we went around, talking to people, searching for stories and then with the help of our mentors, we penned them down. I have plenty of good memories from meeting new people to probing a world outside my own. YI gave me a chance to write on a diverse array of topics. The cherry on the cake was when I got the relationship’s story; a topic I can’t deny that is very close to my heart (I suspect it is to everyone). A lot of effort went into the making of this issue and we hope the readers have as much fun reading it as we had writing it! -Razi Shaikh

My experience being on the Junior Editorial Board of YI was educative and novel. It led me to explore the world of journalism and I count myself fortunate to have had this experience at a very young age. I realised that a lot of work is put into every article of every magazine that we usually just browse through. Writing the articles was a challenging task but was informative too. I’d like to thank the YI team for selecting me and making this experience so memorable! -Sahil Shah

To be apart of the Junior Editorial Board for Youth Incorporated was an experience like no other. The meetings and interactions were all a lot of fun. It was quite gracious of the YI team to give aspiring writers a chance to work at a professional level. The experience helped me understand a lot about the publishing industry. It was an enriching experience that taught us a lot about the way magazines functioned. It was a superb experience that I will never forget! -Aditya Mehta

"The ladder of success is best climbed by stepping on the rungs of opportunity" - Ayn Rand. The first rung has certainly been conquered at the end of this enriching experience. Circumstances offered an opportunity and I chose to grab it with both hands, seeing it to fruition. It shed some illusions and at the same time gave that tad bit of encouragement to continue pursuing this passion . The encounter has been an enlightening one. The whole effort put into ensuring that the glossy copy reaches your local stands, free of errors is phenomenal. From making sure that the vivid pictures give a real insight to the story to ensuring that the magazine colour isn’t too harsh on the eyes, the attention to detail is remarkable and an eye opener to the back room work that goes into evolving a piece of art. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the staff here, which has helped evolve my language and writing style. I would request readers to please communitcate their feedback. I hope to have an opportunity to write for the magazine in the future. -Nisarg Kamdar

Working with YI on the JEB was amazing. JEB was excellent exposure for me and an unforgettable experience too. It's one of those things that I am proud to have done. The whole concept of going to office, writing articles, meeting deadlines, thinking from the reader's perspective and discussing what will interest the readers was an awesome challenge. Experiencing the life of a journalist and learning about the processes that are undergone to produce each issue surprised me and made me aware of all the hard work that is actually put into each issue. I am very glad to have been presented with this opportunity to work with Youth Incorporated! -Unnati Shah

I’m so glad to have been a part of the Youth Incorporated JEB and to have been able to knit together an anniversary issue of the magazine. There were intense discussions, exchange of ideas, a lot of laughing and eating! Yes, we all probably built a very sweet long-lasting bond with every kid and mentor on the table. We were all given stories to work on. Working in the office was pretty much like working in my room; the friendly faces are never to be forgotten! Everyone was so pleasant and warm hearted that you literally wanted to run back to the office, take out your laptop and start working! So that’s what my summer was like! It was a mix of learning and fun! - Suhani Mardia

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I came to know about the Junior Editorial Board organised by Youth Incorporated magazine through my school. I've always been inclined towards creative writing. I immediately knew that taking part in this would be the perfect opportunity for me to hone my writing skills. Once I received a call to be a part of the editorial board, I was excited to see the mechanisms that go into creating a magazine. I really enjoyed and learnt a great deal. Everyone in the office, including the magazine’s editors were accessible and open to suggestions from kids like us. Beverly was in charge of the group that I was a part of and guided me throughout. I hope to contribute in the future as well as YI is an amazing magazine. -Bilal Siddiqi

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OUR MENTORS

In Greek methodology, Mentor was the son of Heracles and a friend of Odysseus (the famous warrior of the Trojan War and the central character of Homer’s epic odyssey). Athena, the Goddess of wisdom, courage, and inspiration once took the form of Mentor and encouraged and came up with practical plans of dealing with personal dilemmas. Hence, the term ‘mentor’ in today’s world is a person who imparts wisdom and shares knowledge. Youth Inc's mentors are accomplished and illustrious individuals who advise our team and give the magazine direction and support.

ROUBLE NAGI Rouble Nagi is an artist in the true sense; painter, mural maker and theatre artist who achieved success at a young age. She also holds art camps with underprivileged kids.

ANKIT MIGLANI

Ankit Miglani is the Deputy MD of Uttam Steel, a JV with ArcelorMittal. He has studied at the Wharton School of Business. A voracious reader, his interests range from fiction to popular physics.

Having lived in the US and India, I’ve had the chance to observe youth raised in different cultures. One may argue that the issues faced by the youth in India and those faced by the youth outside our country, are very different. However, the youth across the world face one common problem – confusion! Today’s youth are not only confused about their career, but also about their identity. They are at an impressionable age and hence the correct guidance and support is critical to their healthy environment. This is where Youth Inc Magazine comes in. Over the last one year, this magazine has brought forth several youth issues and has helped address the general confusion that plagues the youth, without sounding preachy. I am proud to act as a mentor for this much-needed magazine.

The youth in India makes up about 34 per cent of the total population. I have always believed that the future of any nation depends on the quality of its youth. India’s youth is its powerhouse of infinite energy and all we need is to direct their energy in constructive channels that lead to development and progress. I think the youth today needs focus and has a lot of potential that needs self exploration. They need to realise what they are capable of doing and need to experiment with new fields and not get stuck to what everyone is doing. I think our youth is extremely talented and capable of achieving anything they put their minds to. Youth Inc is a boon for youngsters and I really wish we had something like this 10 years ago. The magazine gives details that are very helpful for students who want to pursue higher studies, nationally and internationally. I also believe and Quote what Pablo Picasso said “Youth has no age” and feel that the magazine is a good read for people of all ages.

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RAUNAQ ROY Raunaq Roy is the owner of Hungama.com. As a foodie, she initiated ‘The Budding Gourmet’ website and has led the team as Editor-in-Chief of Beautiful People at Ogaan Publication. The youngsters of today are focussed, driven and have a greater civic awareness compared to when I was growing up. They are also far more geared to succeed. And I think that this is their greatest strength. Everyone has the right to better their circumstance and today’s generation is testimony to that. I think what they need and what we all need is better governance. A system that is more inclusive and enabling is also the need of the hour. I think a magazine like Youth Inc is forward looking for young adults searching for the big answers to the rest of their lives. Careers, life choices and dreams are made and unmade in college and Youth Inc helps with that decision-making process.

DR KAMAL GUPTA

Dr Kamal Gupta is the Chairman and Managing Trustee of Lala Lajpatrai Memorial Trust and also the Chairman of the Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management, Mumbai. He is also on the executive committee of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC). Dr. Gupta has dedicated his life to the betterment of the youth and has introduced several degree courses at Lala Lajpatrai College of Commerce and Economics and Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management.

I believe that the youth of today tend to get confused because of the ample options available to them. There is lack of guidance and more often than not, the youth simply follow the herd. Of course, there are exceptions and every now and then I am impressed with the resilience of the youth. Today's competitive environment is characterised by the need to constantly innovate and to reinvent oneself in order to sustain and grow one's stature, both personally and professionally. I believe that Youth Incorporated Magazine has created a niche for itself and is now one of the leading magazines on education, careers, lifestyle and entertainment. My advice to the youth of today is to climb the coveted ladder of success; one must acquire the appropriate skill, knowledge and attitude needed for exploiting the available opportunities. Once this is achieved, the world is your oyster.

DR INDU SHAHANI Dr Indu Shahani is the Principal of HR College of Commerce & Economics and the Sheriff of Mumbai. Recognised as an international academician currently she is Advisor- India, for the International Baccalaureate Organisation. Dr Shahani is also a member of the committee on vocationalization at the University Grants Commission (UGC). JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 15

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OUR FAMOUS

COLUMNISTS'

TAKE ON YOUTH INC Youth Inc's columnists share their thoughts on the magazine and what it offers the youth JAYANTI GHOSE Career and Education Consultant

Jayanti Ghose is a career and education consultant. She holds an honours degree in Economics and a degree in Education. Her research in career counselling and guidance spans more than 25 years. She pioneered the concept of career counselling and career writing in the print media. She is actively involved in personal and group counselling.

I has plugged the gap for a worthwhile publication for today's youth which we now realise existed. Hence, it has actually created a place for itself for our youth, the largest percentage of the Indian population. It offers information on current national and international affairs, on careers, education, new

and emerging options, and focuses on contemporary themes and issues. In YI , not only can you read about entertainment, celebrities, travel, food and restaurants, the magazine showcases achievements of youth (Indian and international), gives them a voice, and also offers a platform for those aspiring to such levels. Advice, information and guidance on education and careers in India and abroad based on queries of readers finds a prominent place in the monthly.

YI provides insightful writeups on different professions and professionals across diverse fields, both conventional, and unconventional. There are balanced discussions on themes and issues which affect youth in the context of their education, careers, fashion, food, sports, entertainment, etc. YI provides information on programmes and institutions in different countries with enough leads for follow up for the keen or curious. You also get to know about weekend hangouts, the best restaurants, new gizmos, books, games, eco-friendly spaces, and brush up your vocabulary (wordzone).

ZUBIN MALHOTRA, Career Guidance Counsellor

Zubin Malhotra, a management graduate and journalist by training, is a professional career counsellor. Zubin is an alumnus of IIM Kozhikode where he majored in Marketing and Finance. His interests span from education, business & management, media & publishing to marketing, and information technology. Zubin is based in New Delhi and graduated with honours from Delhi University.

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DR MALAVIKA KOHLI Dermatologist A renowned dermatologist, Dr Malavika Kohli has made her mark in aesthetic dermatology in India. With over 15 years of experience in the field of Aesthetic Dermatology, she is the Director of Skin Secrets, which is a Cometolgy Centre of excellence in Mumbai. She routinely consults, counsels and performs microdermabrasion, Botox, fillers, chemical peels and other aesthetic procedures. She has also been one of

outh Incorporated magazine is like a breath of fresh air! It is great because each and every issue is really beautifully and thoughtfully presented. Besides, the layout is clean and smart as well. The magazine makes for an easy read too. More importantly, the magazine is filled with tons of useful and handy information to read. It's a perfect companion for students who are looking out for informed choices in today's information overloaded age. For a magazine that is aimed at the youth of today, it is indeed a tough

ongratulations to the Youth Incorporated team! In my opinion â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Youth Incorporatedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as a magazine for the youth, embodies the spirit of today's generation. It is global, informed and focussed. I wish you all the best for the next year, which I am sure will be even more successful.

AJAI RAI MADAN Astrologer, Numerologer and Aura Reader

Youth Inc's columnists answer reader queries ranging from study in India, study abroad to skincare and astrology. Post your queries on youthincmag.com

the first to introduce Mesotherapy and Lipolysis in the country. Further, a trainer par excellence, Dr Malavika Kohli is frequently sought to conduct and train workshops on aesthetic procedures.

An internationally renowned celebrity astrologer, numerologer and aura reader, as well as a television and media personality, Ajay Rai Madan has appeared on leading national and international print media and television networks.

task to tread a thin line between entertaining and informing. Youth Incorporated does both of these things wonderfully, and that too, month after month. Even though (sadly), I can no longer count myself among the youth (I am still young at heart though!), I really look forward to flipping through my copy of the Youth Incorporated magazine every month. My congratulations and kudos go out to the entire Youth Incorporated team on completing a year. May you go from strength to strength.

am absolutely delighted and extend my hearty greetings and warm congratulations on your first anniversary. In any era, able guidance for the young generation is of primary importance and is a moral responsibility that the preceding generation must not shirk. It is not an easy task by any means and needs a lot of fine balancing as there is a thin line between providing information and imposing it. I am happy to note that Youth Incorporated has skilfully managed to do just that by striking the right kind of balance, which is much needed in today's fast-paced and lowpatience times. YI has also successfully filled in the existing vacuum with career-oriented information for the youth of today by making its credible presence felt over a year since its launch. Effective parenting now has one indispensable ally in the print media! I wish Youth Incorporated all the very best in the years to come. JULY 2012 â&#x2022;&#x2018; Youth Incorporated 17

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THE JOURNEY SO FAR yinocu to orph

JULY 2011/ LAUNCH ISSUE

EDUCATE + ENTERTAI

METAL: THE NEW ZIETG IEST

rated

{LAUNCH ISSUE }

The first issue saw the media shy CAR MS Dhoni grace the cover and offer the youth 30 mantras to WEEKS TO GRE live by. From guides to crack PREP the GRE and other tests, HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO ON THE T DATE? career tips for graphology and FIRS Intellectual Property Rights, M S DHONI THE INDIAN mindmapping techniques by author and educational ! consultant Tony Buzan, right up to eco-friendly clothes, an exclusive interview with rally champion Naren Kumar to the skinny on travelling to the Andaman and Nicobar islands, the magazine certainly launched with a bang! N www.youthincmag.com

The Extra Mile: IB & A levels

VOLUME I ISSUE 1 JULY 2011 > `50

FULL THROTTLE

RALLIES 

SUPERMAN

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AUGUST 2011/ SALMAN KHAN ON BEING HUMAN LIA R

YOUTH

WATER SPORTS IN INDIA

UPLUG

> 2 AUGUST 2011 VOLUME 1 ISSUE

EDUCATE + ENTERTAI

www.youthincmag.com

INSIDE

Clubs GED

` 50

Generally loved by the media, the ‘man with a heart’, Salman Khan, had to make it to the Youth PUZZLE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT Incorporated cover. This issue COLLEGE also explored a career in graphic and features on social Man with N a heart HA design K entrepreneurship, customised N A TOEFL and IELTS study guides, SALM the joy of college festivals and tips on choosing the right college. A Lahaul and Spiti travel piece, the skinny on buying the right jeans and a feature on the Slutwalk revolution all found a place here.

WEEKS L AND TOEF

IELTS PREP

LIA R:

COUPLE FIB FILES

PROSPECTUS

GE WHAT DO COLLE FESTS TEACH YOU?

! AT GRE RKER THE IAL WO SOC

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SEPTEMBER 2011/ THE MULTITASKING MISS SHILPA

A career in the spa industry is lucrative and who better to represent this than Shilpa Shetty, who speaks about her drive for life and multitasking. This issue explores whether leadership is an inborn or acquired trait, how to bag your dream job, the indispensable how-to guide to university application essays and out-of-the-box careers in physiotherapy and the airline industry. Articles on solar energy, the ill-effects of anger, and the highs and lows of the 2011 tennis season made their way into this issue.

yinocourpthorated

F1 COMES TO INDIA

4 OCTOBER 2011 VOLUME 1 ISSUE

EDUCATE + ENTERTAI

> ` 50

N www.youthincmag.com

TATTOO ARTISTS CASH IN ON A BOOMING TREND

OCTOBER 2011/ AAMIR KHAN- THE EDUCATION REFORMIST

Youth Inc went head deep into the actor’s fulfilling life, bringing (INCITTHEY ( out the reasons behind his logical Start Small choices of movies, scripts and BIG THINK RY: endorsements. Other exciting PUDUCHER n The french connectio features on Pondicherry's charm, a career in tattooing and the e education { {Th REFOR MIST! (Why he thinks education matters) culinary arts, a real-life story on shedding those stubborn kilos, the dos and don’ts of workplace etiquette, the benefits of learning a foreign language, a tête-à-tête with the 6th sense innovator Pranav Mistry, the Indian theatre scene and a debate on the drinking age limit hike saw prominence. SAME -SEX

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DARK SIDE OF DIETING

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Meet Hrithik Roshan, the humble a JamVwal and talented man. This issue also ARE YOU READY TO features tips on getting into the LIVE-IN?? 26 /1 1 WORK A Surv ivor's OPTIONS FOR field of acting, career options for STORY Eng Lit GRADS English literature graduates, how to carry yourself at an interview, the emergence of live-in relationships, making music from junk materials, the death of Bangalore’s live music scene and an inspirational piece by Nisha Jamvwal on her career as an interior designer. Another highlight of this issue was the inspiring story of Jharna Narang, a 26/11 survivor. Indian Classical

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CELEBS HOLLYWOOD COLLEGE GO BACK TO

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DECEMBER 2011/ THE GLOBAL UNIVERSITY RANKINGS SPECIAL

LY We dissected and ranked the top A B SIT S100 undergraduate universities R GNLIO E V NG worldwide to make your college SPE

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selection process a tad easier. Educational features include new + careers emerging in India, how to spread a cause on the Internet, the pros and cons of doing an MBA, an exclusive interview with Rajeev Samant of SULA Vineyards and the lowdown on luxury brand management. To keep things light, a roundup of 2011’s most memorable events, tips on how to throw an eco-friendly party and stories on arranged marriages and long-distance relationships liven up the magazine. LIFE GHT GETS /NI D Y O G AV E L / G A O O D TRA HION/F ... S E A R F MO AND

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FEBRUARY 2012/ THE VALENTINE’S DAY SURVIVAL GUIDE

LES: YOUNG THE BLOGOPHI ING WAV ES BLOGGERS MAK

8 FEBRUARY 2012 VOLUME 1 ISSUE

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Youth Incorporated went all out with a non-clichéd survival guide THE for believers and non-believers Y DA S E’ VALENTIN of the month of love! Young and L A IV RV SU GUIDE popular Indian bloggers also found a spot in this issue, as did THINGS THE ALLBAL features on 10 things to avoid NOT TO GLO IMPORTANT MED MBA DO AT S WORK SCHOOL doing at the workplace, why MBA continues to the most popular postgraduate option and the top global medical schools. The entertainment section comprised a travel piece on Thailand, a look at the origins and popularity of surfing as well as a feature on how to deal with those ‘plastic’ mean girls around you! INDIA’S SURFING SCENE

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MARCH 2012/ THE WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

APRIL 2012/ THE TRAVEL SPECIAL

DAY BEAT THE MON S MORNING BLUE

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SALARY THAT YOU The masses love and worship him DES ERVE! STUDY IN for his numerous Bollywood SINGAPORE roles. Youth Inc brings out yet h another avatar of the actor as Game on wit he ventures into the creation of games as an extension of his TV TRY A Series CAR EER movies. This issue that heralded Wi nners IN SHOPPING! in the New Year featured the importance of workshops, a guide to studying in Singapore, tips on how to negotiate a better salary and fun careers like music therapy. The lighter side features the perks and peculiarities of dating an expat in India, the Bootcamp trend and a story of one man who covered seven marathons in seven continents, to begin the year on a healthy note.

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Youth Inc explored the many roles of the woman of today, with a list of powerful, global game changers as well as India’s very own young achievers. Special features on the topic of reservations in the education system, how to deal with information overload at your workplace and career stories on wedding planning and architecture all found their rightful place in this issue. Tips to handle a career change also made it to this issue to help readers when they are at the crossroads. Lighter pieces on the lowdown at the Jaipur Literature Festival, a trip to Bali and eco-friendly structures in India made this issue a fun read.

Since travel teaches you things that you might not learn otherwise, GT Youth Inc compiled a bucket list N I ACK I S C KK PE T L of backpacking destinations in BA C U B India. To further indulge your wanderlust, a feature by travel show producer David Byrne was a huge part of this issue. Ways to maximise your productivity at the workplace, the skinny on online programmes, top global media and communication institutes and a look at the many alumni associations in India formed the education section. To keep you entertained, an in-depth feature on India’s mixed martial arts scene as well as one on the case of the wandering eye in relationships livened up this issue. URE RTICULT A S IN HO IN INDI - CAREER L ARTS SCENE THUMB IITS? RTIA GREEN E REAL XED MA E YOUR THESE TH G) / MI E IN NURTUR AR OK / (NO SM EGES KS E BUTT ON COLL UMNI NETWOR BEAT TH COMMUNICATI AL ANCE OF GLOBAL IMPORT

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IS LIFE AD AC WITH THECKRO KERO URSELF - JA OVER YOSPECIAL! DISC TRAVEL OUR

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MAY 2012/ THE INDIE MUSIC SPECIAL

educate + entertain

A cover story that reflects a 6 grassroots movement that the Indian music industry represents in di e ba nd s besides the mainstream scene ma ki ng wave s is what this issue was all about. Exclusive features on four of India’s leading bands formed a big part of the cover story. Features on using mapping technologies in the classroom, how institutions support students’ entrepreneurial ideas through incubator cells and a handy guide to creating the perfect elevator pitch made this issue stand out. Lighter career stories on bartending also found a place here. The B-boy dance craze and the hype surrounding the IPL cricket scenario also had to make it to this one! www.youthincmag.com

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 11 may 2012 > ` 50

cREA TE YO ELEVA TOR UR PITcH DATING BEST YOUR FRIEND

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JUNE 2012/ THE DESIGN SPECIAL

Meet four designers from diverse paths who talk to Youth Inc about their inspirations and passions for creating the work that they are best known for. Educational features on the importance of a studentteacher relationship, a career as a DJ and bizarre courses in America made this issue a fun read. Other useful stories include a handy guide to creating the perfect video resume and an exclusive look at the AIESEC India National Stakeholders’ Summit also found a place here. Entertainment pieces on India’s much-loved street food, the age factor in relationships, the bare foot movement and Kalimpong as a travel destination made this issue a special read. ` 50 12 JUNE 2012 > VOLUME 1 ISSUE

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a DJ How to become Bizarre American courses

The age factor in relationships

The street food obsession

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editorial connect Write to us at mail@youthincmag.com

+ EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN

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How to become a DJ

Bizarre American courses

The age factor in relationships

The street food obsession

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Reader of the year -Chirag Somani When one hears the word ‘youth’, the first thing that comes to mind is the next generation. ‘Youth Incorporated’ is a magazine that guides the youth of India to not only lead a successful life but also remind them of how beautiful this life is. It inspires us; it encourages us and it brings together the youth of today. I feel really excited to receive my copy and am truly grateful for a guide like this. It might take a few pages to list everything that I like about Youth Incorporated! However, what I really love is the simplicity of combining education with entertainment. It teaches but without being a teacher, it scolds but it does not hurt (sic), and finally, it gives us examples of successful youth without making readers feel like they are being compared to these young people. It is like a best friend who knows exactly what you want. It shows us the way whether it may be changing paths or developing new hobbies. All the best!

DJ DILEMMAS When I was in my teens, I became obsessed with music. With growing responsibilities and the pressure of biding my time well and keeping up with my studies, all I could think of was to make a compilation of the music I loved and create new beats. This involved playing around with software and the likes. But when I actually started DJing, it wasn’t easy because of many reasons. I had to keep up with the latest music and the software and technology. Although, learning on a console was easy as I was guided by good DJs around the city. Of course, it takes time to play like the best DJs around the world. But then again, if you love music, anything is possible! Thanks for the article on a career in DJing as the youth of today can actually get a lot of help by reading it.

Johann D’sa DJ, Bangalore

SEXY AUNTIES OF THE METROS

The term ‘sexy aunties’ refers to women, especially married women, who try their best to feel like they are teenagers all over again. This could include showing their curves and hinting with their eyes to get the boy-next-door in their bedroom. It doesn’t matter if the boy might be the same age as her daughter; in fact, this is what the sexy aunties want! They try to reduce their age by five or ten years. They try to get the attention of college guys through their immature catwalk and use the most taboo words possible with the aim of being hip. The existence of such sexy aunties is due to one reason– they have not lived their life to the fullest. Humans have a tendency to take care of any form of incomplete satisfactions, whatever the time may be! It’s the sexy aunties who personify this very human trait in their hunt for younger men. It’s not an unusual scenario that a number of younger men fall for them. The reason? The sexy aunties of the metros are experienced players who use their eyes to do all the talking! Chirag Somani *Youth Inc does not necessarily Student, Kolkata subscribe or endorse this view

THRILL OF A LIFETIME

Last year, I went to Himachal Pradesh and during my stay in Manali, we heard of white-water rafting on the River Beas. The next day itself we went to Kullu and enjoyed the most thrilling experience ever! Strangely, I did not find Kullu among the places mentioned in the article ‘Riding the Rapids’. River rafting here is quite a challenge as the water comes straight from the cold Rohtang Pass ranges. You also get to see the pretty farms and the locals at work. After 7 kms you can actually witness two rivers meeting where the rapids go higher and that’s when you get totally wet! In the last few kilometres, the rapids appear to be faster and make your ride bumpy and as exciting as ever, while the last phase also offers you a glimpse of the small Kullu airport. This activity became my favourite when the instructors asked us to come to the edge of the boat and face the water. Not knowing what was in store for us, we did just that and when the boat passed through rapids our faces went under the freezing cold water and we all ended up shouting our hearts out! I really thought I should share this with other readers!

Aakash Shah Student, Mumbai

22-05-2012 13:33:01

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educate Do you have a nose for news and for stringing together words? Explore a career in journalism Page 59

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K E E PI N S I D E яГо

Pg22 Pg28 Pg34 Pg59 THE WORKING STUDENT THE RISING TREND OF WORKING PART TIME WHILE STUDYING

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THE YOUNG AND THE COMATOSE HOW WE EXPECT CHANGE TO TAKE PLACE WHEN VOTING SEEMS TO BE THE LAST THING ON OUR MINDS

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THE WORKING

_SPECIAL FEATURE

STUDENT PANKHURI SHUKLA EXPLORES THE RISING TREND OF TODAY’S YOUTH WHO PREFER TO TAKE UP A PART-TIME JOB WHILE COMPLETING THEIR EDUCATION

ith the growing sense of responsibility in Gen Y, commonly referred to as the emerging demographic, a lot of students are now opting for part-time jobs. While some do it to support themselves and their families, others do it to gain experience, be independent or simply to put their skills to use. Indeed, it is a very common phenomenon to see young students working at fast food shops, call centres or boutiques. Many even opt to work in production houses and advertising agencies these days. Today's youth want to start working even before they have completed their studies. When one talks of working while studying, it refers to being employed only on a part-time basis because taking up a full-time job is nearly next to impossible. There are tests to be studied for and projects as well as assignments to be completed, after all. However, the benefits are innumerable!

INTRODUCTION TO WORK CULTURE

Let’s face it. No matter how esteemed an institution you may be studying at or what degree or stream of education you may have opted for, there is nothing like delving head first into a work environment. Practical, on-the-job experience prepares you for what is to come when you actually do get employed in a workspace. Besides, the exposure that you get from working in the real world will beat any management book you might think would provide you with an edge above the rest. It also helps to get used to a daily routine early in life. You will face challenges too, and at the same time, you will learn and experience new things, making you more street smart and definitely improving your resume!

VALUE FOR MONEY

In other countries, while students usually pay for their own fees at university, this concept has not seeped in too strongly in the Indian way of life. This may not exactly apply to the way things work in India, but it doesn’t hurt to earn a bit of extra pocket money along the way! Working while you are studying also encourages you to get used to the concept of saving for the future.

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RESPECT

A working student is looked at through a wide variety of perspectives by society. If you happen to be working, you will definitely be seen as a confident and ambitious person by the people around you. Working also broadens your views on a world far beyond college life. Sheena Anand, a 19-year-old student from Symbiosis, Pune, started working in a retail shop at the early age of 17 and never has she regretted that decision. She can easily juggle between her college, social and work life, managing to score well in exams too. “In my two years of work experience, I have really enjoyed myself and learnt a lot along the way. I think that if you have the time then you must work,” says Sheena.

THE PARENT TRAP

When you are committed to a job, you will notice that it may interfere with your study schedule at times, proving to be a hectic task. Your workload might just increase abruptly and coping with the stress may not be a piece of cake as you may have imagined. Secondly, it is important to check whether your parents are fine with you opting to work at a young age. In the humongous crowd out there, you will find tons of parents not alright with the fact that their children are out there in the big, bad world! Since the main issue is safety and security, it’s a good idea to get your parents acquainted with your job, with enough details about the work environment. However, there are many parents who are thrilled at the fact that their children want to work while they are

studying. After all, back in the day, seldom were people given such amazing chances to get hands-on experience before completing their education. For instance, Vineeta Shukla, a mother of two school children says, “My kids are yet in school but once they grow up, I would be more than glad to let them earn for themselves if they wish to and also, if they are fortunate enough to get a good platform. At least it will be a good start.”

READY OR NOT?

Ayush Joshi, who studied at The Bishop’s Co Ed School Undri, Pune and who has his own rap band, aspires to first focus on his education for the next two years, following which, he plans to popularise his band with the hopes of making a career out of it. Like Ayush, there yet exist a large number of students who prefer to concentrate on their studies, waiting until they are done with their education to finally enter the career space. This is not a negative aspect or an uncommon phenomenon either, as working alongside studies is a choice in most cases and it cannot be pushed on someone against their free will. It is evident that prospering in a part-time job during your crucial education years is no more just an overseas phenomenon. It is rising in popularity and this can be observed frequently today. Above all, it is the joy of working and contributing, which makes it something more than acceptable. So all of you sitting out there, who think they are killing most of their time, it would be a great idea to pursue a part-time job while you are studying! yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 23

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_FOCUS FEATURE

E T A B E D S D R A BO Globally recognised education boards are fast becoming the first choice for many. Yet, there are some who opt for local boards. Priyanka Banerjee, Unnati Shah and Sahil Shah elaborate on this trend

odern India is the picture of progress and more importantly, acceptance. In recent years, a new system of education has been accepted and applauded by students and parents alike. The Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and the IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma have become increasingly popular choices for secondary education across India. IGCSE AND IB PROGRAMMES Currently IGCSE is offered as a two-year course for students of the

9th and 10th grade. At the end of the 10th grade, an IGCSE examination is taken, which is much like the board examinations taken by students studying under national boards. IB, on the other hand, offers high quality programmes for children from ages 3 to 19. It consists of two assessment bodies– Edexcel and CIE. A similar exam is taken at the end of two years in the IB board as well. There is a clear reason why the IGCSE and IB are two of the world’s most sought-after systems of education. They inspire students to become global thinkers and young adults who enjoy the process of learning and applying concepts to life. To have channelised the way a mind thinks is to have changed the way the mind perceives the world, and for a system of education to have the power to achieve

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this, it is truly incredible. From English to Physics, every study session is incomplete without a class discussion. Freedom to share facts and opinions while learning to respect those of others and at the same time encouraged to make one’s own is a large part of this education system. Every topic is taught differently so that in preparation for the examinations students can refer to a wide range of presentations, handouts and videos. SSC AND ICSE BOARDS State board affiliated schools are vastly different from those that follow the ICSE system of education. SSC is a public examination taken by students living in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Goa. For those who aren’t in the know, SSC is the equivalent to GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in England. As compared to the IB and IGCSE programmes, state boards have comparatively less subjects. The syllabus is said to be easier and hence, less stressful. The SSC board for class 10 examinations in Maharashtra offers limited flexibility in the choice of subjects. Students must mandatorily study three languages, which include English, Hindi and a third language that is unique to each state’s board. Physics, chemistry and biology don’t find a separate place under the broad subject of science and technology. Mathematics is divided into geometry and algebra, while the social sciences include history and civics and geography. Since there is no choice of subjects, all students get a uniform amount of time designated for recreation, which is about an hour or two a week. Literature by Shakespeare doesn’t find a place in the SSC syllabus. But, there are a few of his dramas in the concise and simplified form. Under history, one studies about world history that includes the American War for Independence, the two World Wars and other such topics. There is a lot of rote learning. ICSE is a national board whose

centre is in Delhi. This board offers students a lot of flexibility. A student must opt for two languages, geography, history and civics. However, a student can chose only two out of ten other subjects including science, commerce, mathematics, environmental studies, French and others. The last group of thirteen subjects includes technical drawing, art, physical education, computer applications, commercial applications among many others. However, the choice of subjects also lies in the hands of the school as some schools do not give their students the liberty to drop subjects like mathematics or science as they feel that the basic knowledge of these subjects is essential. As per the ICSE curriculum, English, being the first language is quite tedious. One has to study three books for literature, which includes a book for prose, one for poetry and a drama book by Shakespeare. The second language tends to be easier. HOW IS IB AND IGSCE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER EDUCATION BOARDS? Although the depth and flexibility provided by all boards is more or less at par, it is the methodology that makes all the difference. IGCSE and IB programmes are more practical and application based. It thus helps children to develop in an all-round way. The exams under these programmes test a student's knowledge and reasoning as well as problem solving abilities as against their memory and speed. In IB and IGCSE boards, there are many more projects. It’s more interactive and involves a lot of team-based learning and encourages students to think. Children feel like learning and their curiosity levels are aroused to the max. Children do not experience any form of unhealthy peer competition. The examination papers are set and marked by the Cambridge International Examination (CIE), thus ensuring the same quality standards will be experienced by a student studying for a similar

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN INDIA

• École Mondiale World School • Singapore International School • The French International School (EFIB) • Woodstock School • Good Shepherd International School • Canadian International School • Dhirubhai International School • International School of Hyderabad • Hebron School • American School Of Mumbai programme anywhere in the world. Faculty members are also trained by them to impart similar quality standards in teaching. Because of all these factors, these boards are especially recommended for those students who have definite plans to study abroad after completing their school education. Do keep in mind that in India there are only around 5000 students studying in IB and other international boards and the hundreds and thousands of students opt for local boards. Naturally, these boards are cheaper and more accessible to most of the population. Make sure you understand the choice of subjects and study patterns of each of these boards before you make a final choice. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 25

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_FOCUS FEATURE

HISTORY

ECONOMICS

HUMANITIES

POLITICAL SCIENCE

ACCOUNTANCY

Who’s the SMARTEST of them all? S

PHILOSOPHY

Unnati Shah busts myths associated with science, arts and commerce streams

hould I opt for commerce, or perhaps, indulge my creative side studying the arts. Or is a life in science my calling? When it’s time to make such a decision, most of us are confused and afraid of making the wrong decision. Unfortunately, youth are faced with such decisions right from school. With limited knowledge and looming parental pressure, these decisions are

usually influenced by outdated myths. The biggest myth is that the ‘smart’ students are the ones who pursue science while commerce or arts students are known to be ‘average or below average’. This belief is fuelled by colleges that have high cut-off percentages for the science discipline and significantly lower admission criteria for arts and commerce. Vandana Shah is one of the

many students to have suffered as a consequence of these misconceptions. After scoring 92 per cent in her class 10 exams, she was inclined towards selecting the arts stream. However, she was discouraged from making such a move by friends and family. “Everyone told me if you leave science, you will regret it. You are such a smart student, why would you want to limit your options?” explains Vandana.

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She gave in to the pressure and is now studying science at a prestigious institution. While this decision has made her parents proud, Vandana does regret not following her heart. She is still among the highest scoring students in her class, but Vandana does not relish these achievements. “I can’t wait to finish class 12 and begin my transition into arts through my graduation. Sometimes I borrow my friend’s English textbooks and regret not being able to study about such interesting authors. I will not give in to parental or peer pressure again!” Here are some of the myths that are usually associated with arts, commerce and science:

MYTH 1

ALL HIGH SCORING STUDENTS MUST PURSUE SCIENCE REALITY: A number of high scoring students venture into commerce and arts streams. In fact, Alaric, a student of St. Xaviers College, was surprised to find a student who scored 92 per cent in his class 10 exams, opting for arts in class 11. Times are certainly changing! If you want to pursue science, you must have an aptitude for the subjects in the science stream. As Nidhi Jasani, a class 10 science student explains, “Science is not for smarter students as such, it is just time demanding and requires hard work.”

MYTH 2

COMMERCE AND ARTS ARE ‘LESS TAXING’ STREAMS. THEREFORE, THEY ARE MEANT FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT ACADEMICALLY INCLINED REALITY: Whether you choose arts, science or commerce, different subjects will pose different challenges. “Commerce itself is not that easy as it has various difficult topics such as accounting; so you need to have an aptitude even to study commerce,” says Shikha Dharia, a class 12 commerce student. In the arts stream, even subjects like English Literature, require the ability to analyse, critique and interpret texts. This is definitely not an easy task, especially because all

through our schooling years, we are trained for rote learning. When given the opportunity to think and interpret freely, it can be quite a challenge!

MYTH 3

THERE ARE NO VIABLE CAREER OPTIONS IF YOU ARE AN ARTS STUDENT REALITY: Arts is no longer restrained to a theoretical study of languages. It now includes mass media, psychology, music, design, teaching, research, journalism, hospitality, photography and many other exciting avenues. Most of these professions are high-paying and they are becoming hot career options today. The age old belief that students who pursue arts venture into low-paying professions does not ring true at all.

MYTH 4

ONLY SCIENCE STUDENTS PERFORM WELL IN COMPETITIVE EXAMS REALITY: In the 2011 CAT exams, Saurabh Kumar, a BBA student, busted this myth by scoring 99.4 percentile! With the right preperation, students from any stream can crack common admission exams. MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE In India, for a student, the biggest influencers while selecting a stream are his or her parents and peers. So

before you make a decision, be sure to separate your interests from your parents’ dreams and your friends’ choices. If you are still confused, try taking an aptitude test to help you narrow down your strengths and to get clued into your areas of interest. If your parents do not support your choice, try and convince them with the help of other family members or friends. Also, do not give in to peer pressure while making such a decision. “It is totally up to the student. After all, it is they who have to go through the rigours of studying the subjects. Thus, they must be comfortable with what they are studying and be happy about it too,” explains Leena Shah, a parent of a college-going child. A student should be allowed to make his or her own choices because interest and excellence go hand in hand. We hope that each and every one of you has the privilege of pursuing a career of your choice and excelling in it. Be fearless when you make this decision; do not worry about what others might think because only you know where your interest lies. In the end, the decision lies with you alone; do not indulge in baseless comparisons; instead, follow your dreams. So if you have an aspiration in mind and some sort of a career direction, it is highly recommended that you simply get up and go for it! yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 27

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_WALK OF LIFE

Sincerely, me! Anushi Mandelecha explores the different email sign-offs and finds out what they really say about you

ou've just finished composing an email to a potential client you've talked with a few times before. Now comes the tricky partyour email sign-off. Should you use ‘Sincerely’, ‘Regards’, ‘Thanking You’ or ‘Cheers’? The choices are endless! How do you sound friendly and warm without coming across as unprofessional? What about the emails you send to your employees and business contacts. How should you sign-off an email to these people? Before you begin your quest to search for these answers, we must tell you that unfortunately, there's no ‘email bible’ as such to guide you in

your email etiquette. There’s no right or wrong way to go about signing off. Further, what it speaks about you to one person may actually be different for another. Open up one of your recently sent emails and look at how you signed it. There’s a huge chance that you might have used sign-offs like ‘Thanks’, ‘Cheers’ or even just your initials! Read on to find out what message your favourite email goodbye is actually sending. In today’s age of professionalism, it’s important not to blur the lines of love, friendship and business. In fact, something as trivial as an email sign-off can speak volumes with regard to the purpose of your email and

your intent as a whole. Remember to take your time when choosing your words. It’s also important that your sign-off blends with the tone of your email. Coming across as pleasant and professional at the same time is the best thing you can do for your work life after all!

BEST

‘Best’ is the slang for ‘Best Regards’. Using this sign-off gives the impression that you possess an I-don’tcare attitude. Most used by individuals in their early 20s, this sign-off signifies pretence. Avoid using ‘Best’ if you wish to have a prolonged relationship with the recipient of your email. ‘Best

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Regards’ or ‘Best Wishes’ are much better options, especially for business purposes.

WARM REGARDS

‘Regards’ appears far flung and forceful. A person using such a sign-off may be regarded as curt or too formal. It definitely screams that you aren’t one bit chatty. On the other hand, ‘Warmest Regards’ is an all-purpose sign-off that exudes affection.

SINCERELY

'Sincerely' is extremely outdated but that doesn’t take away the honesty and truth it conveys. It is non-offensive, formal and can never convey the wrong message. But you would want to see this in a letter, not in an email. It’s ideal for communication with a stranger though. And if you do use it, make sure it goes with the nature of your mail, or it may look out of place.

THANKING YOU/THANKS

'Thanking you' is one of the most chivalrous valedictions. Use it only if you really have a reason to thank your recipient. Otherwise, it will fall blandly. On the flip side, there are many people who use ‘Thanks’ because they are courteous enough to thank the person on the receiving end for taking the time to read the mail. Use ‘Thanks’ in emails to people you know really well.

WARMLY

‘Warmly’ is another appropriate signoff. It conveys love as well as affection at the same time. It falls perfectly between emotional and formal.

YOURS TRULY

As a sign-off, ‘Yours Truly’ is a little too touching. It doesn’t work well for business purposes at all. The sender of the email might come across as one who is carrying a ton of

emotional baggage. Obviously, it’s best left for kith and kin and doesn’t have any sort of potential in the professional space.

TAKE CARE

This sign-off shows that you care. However, it is best used when you have actually met the receiver of your email.

CORDIALLY

‘Cordially’ signifies a pleasant demeanour but it remains an old-school sign-off, which is better reserved for written communication. yi

HERE ARE SOME INFORMAL SIGN-OFFS THAT SHOULD NEVER BE USED IN WORK EMAILS TGIF (THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY!): DISCLAIMER: Do not use this in an email to your boss unless you want an hour’s extension in your work hours on a Friday evening. Use it for your close office colleagues or hangout buddies. LOVE: This email sign-off is more of a reminder than a signoff, pestering your recipient to be a bit sensitive and remember your love for him/her. Use it sparingly. One normally uses it for people who they really love or for special buddies. XOXO: This feminine sign-off is a cute and special way to conclude an email to a close friend. 'xoxo' is the kind of valediction that is used when one shares a special bond with the recipient. It is extremely personal, so keep the hugs and kisses away from your work life! BE FABULOUS: A very classy sign-off, it fills one up with optimistic energies. It is charismatic, passionate and reinforces the firm idea of every person being capable of doing great things. But, use this one for your fashionista friends only! CIAO: Ciao appears extremely smarmy unless you belong to the art or fashion streams or you're actually an Italian! Why pretend to be someone you aren’t? We say: Grow up, stop being lazy and get yourself a more meaningful sign-off! NONE: A ‘no sign-off’ email in your mailbox will most certainly be from your boss. Dominating, intimidating and terrorising are words that cry out loud from that mail. It is rude to leave a mail with no signoff. Always use one. Your recipient definitely expects a closing. JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 29

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_FOREIGN SHORES

The

INTERNATIONAL ATTRACTION

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The benefits of an overseas education run high, but most don’t choose to walk that path. Aditya Mehta objectively views both paths

very year, thousands of Indians flock to universities abroad in spite of the presence of world-class universities back home. Studying abroad is a popular trend among Indian students who go in huge numbers to countries such as the UK, US and Australia for education after class 12. In 2011, around 210,000 Indian students chose to travel abroad to study, nearly 105,000 of which chose to study in the US. And now, even universities in Canada, New Zealand and Singapore show an exponential increase in the number of Indian students. India has nearly 300 universities and more than 12,000 universityaffiliated colleges, having a total enrolment of about 9 million students. Thus we have one of the largest higher educational networks in the world. Then why are so many of our students opting to study abroad? Says Karan Gupta, who studied at the University of Texas at Austin in the US and IE Business School in Spain, “US universities have excellent infrastructure and allow tremendous flexibility in choosing courses.” On being asked how many Indian students were studying there, he said, “At UT there were hundreds of Indian students and even at IE Business School the class size was around 8 per cent Indian.” He added that while the studies are not easier than those in India, the coursework incorporates more case studies, team discussions and projects. Gupta's statement corroborates the views of many Indian students who find Indian courses to be based only on theoretical knowledge as opposed to foreign courses, which are more ‘flexible and practical’. Practical educational courses, lower studentfaculty ratio, academic excellence of the universities and interaction with international students are other attractions, which make Indian students travel abroad to study. On the flip side, studying abroad may not be all that glamorous.

There is a general conception that universities abroad are far better than Indian universities. However, this is not always the case. India can boast of world class universities such as the IITs and IIMs, which provide quality education and have produced internationally acclaimed leaders in their respective fields. Students studying abroad have to cope with many challenges. Firstly, education abroad is very expensive. University fees, along with the relatively high cost of living, will compel you at some point to take up part-time jobs to meet your financial demands, unless of course your parents have deep pockets. On the other hand, some Indian colleges and universities charge fees, which even low income households can afford. Hence, most students in India don't need to take up jobs while studying and can concentrate completely on their college work. Students studying abroad also have to battle a host of other problems, including home sickness and adapting to a brand new enviornment. These issues may seem trivial but many students have actually left their studies mid-way and returned home as they couldn't adjust. People who study in India and then go on to work abroad often fare extremely well, clearly proving that education in India lays a very strong base for the students who are now ready to dominate in any system worldwide in spite of Indian education being branded by some as ‘ bookish and impractical’. Another advantage of studying in India is the competitive environment, which pushes students to score better than their peers, thus extracting a better performance out of them. There are clearly advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad and studying in India. There is no 'correct' answer and this is a decision that each person has to make individually. It's important to carefully analyse one's careers goals. In Gupta's words - Make an informed decision. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 31

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_FOREIGN SHORES

India Charm

The A large number of foreign students choose to complete their

education in India. Wondering what lures them here? Read on to know more studies, it is quite significant. One of words like 'big'! But I can finally

et’s talk about foreign students in India. As strange as it may sound, there are a 'good' number of foreign students who come from all corners of the world to study in India. In spite of fully knowing that they have to choose the ‘impractical and limitedto-theory only’ courses that the Indian education system propounds, they still choose to come here over the ‘highly practical and superior’ courses available at foreign universities (some institutes in India do offer practical and world renowned courses). As per statistics, India is home to about 40,000 foreign students from over 100 countries. Though the number may seem small in comparison to the number of Indian students going abroad for higher

wonders what attracts these foreign students. Is it the friendly atmosphere or is there another reason? Ishvari, a 19-year-old South African student, left Madagascar to study in India in 2009. She first opted for arts, but later switched to commerce. “I wanted an English medium background since the only languages I knew were French, Hindi and Gujarati. Even though I had the option of going to the UK, I felt that India would be the best place for me with regards to comfort with languages,” she explains. Reflecting on her move to India, she says, “When I just reached India, I used to take down notes in French for every lesson that the professor taught. Whenever I look at these books now, I find it amusing that I didn't even know the meaning

speak in English fluently." "The Indian culture is warm and friendly and people in this country will go out of their way to help you. I am overwhelmed with the fantastic nature of the people. It is precisely this culture that attracted me to India in the first place," says Silvi Mathews, a US student in India. Adds Oewebu, a student from Nigeria, "The high quality of education at a relatively low fee and an equally low cost of living makes India a great place to study." Indian universities offer a variety of courses in medicine, arts, journalism, social work, commerce, architecture, engineering and software, amongst others. This, bundled with diversity of Indian culture, ensures that the studying experience in India is memorable for all who experience it. yi

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TECHORNIT 2012

THAKUR INSTITUTE OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY, MUMBAI

hakur Institute of Aviation Technology (TIAT) hosted an all-India Technical and Cultural Festival, ‘TechOrnit 2012’ on the 3rd and 4th of April 2012. This festival was organised by students to encourage interest in technology among students from different colleges. Both technical ability and cultural capabilities were put to test. The fest included many events like ‘Aeromodelling’, ‘Kalpana Project Exhibition’, ‘Robo-Genic’, ‘Duet Sketching’, ‘Photography Event’, ‘Foot Loose’, ‘Group Dance’ and ‘Power of Imagination’. ‘Hawkeye’, an aircraft that flies like a helicopter but steers like an airplane was presented by the students of TIAT, bagging the first prize in aeromodelling. The winners were awarded with a cash prize. Students from Padmabhushan Vasantdada Patil Pratishthan’s College of Engineering displayed a model of an Advanced Skateboard and won first prize in the Kalpana Project Exhibition. A special workshop titled ‘Boomerang’ was conducted, teaching attendees how to design, fabricate and launch a boomerang. Students also organised a DJ night. The chief guests for the event were Mrs. Harpreet Singh-President of India’s Women Pilot Association (IWPA), Mr. Khanna from DGCA headquarters and Mr. Nasser Jariwala-Head of business development in Rohde & Schwarz.

THE VILE PARLE PREMIER LEAGUE, MUMBAI

he Vile Parle Premier League (VPPL) is a franchise-based football tournament, held annually in Vile Parle, Mumbai. The second season of this event was held from 18th - 26th May, 2012 at Dubashi Ground in Vile Parle (east), for which more than 250 players had registered. The annual tournament's main objective is to promote the growth of football and increase it's popularity in Mumbai. Generally comprising eight teams, the VPPL has two categories of the Under-19 and 19 age group. Every registered player goes through a unique auction process, in which, they are ‘sold’ through a point-based system. Each team also needs to ‘buy’ at least four Under-16 players, and potential owners can buy the teams in the same auction. The tournament was played six on six under lights from 5 pm to 10 pm. VPPL has achieved tremendous success in season one and season two, where there was a crowd of around 500 people per match. The season two finals saw the likes of Bappi Da, Priya Dutt, Krishna Hegde and Pankaj Dheer present. The organisers were Siddarth Sabapathy, Sagar Giri, Meghan Pradhan, Sunit Kanyalkar. All-in-all, 2012 saw 28 league matches, three playoffs and one final match. The Parle United team emerged as the victors of 2012, while the runners-up were The Parle Diaons, chasing a close second. The VPPL is a refreshing and successfulattempt to add zest and vigour to the football scenario in India today. JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 33

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E H T

E S O T A TH M O C

_AWARENESS

G N U O EY

“T

he problem is the indifferent attitude of the youth towards their government and election process. Young people just don’t want to vote,” expressed Dr S Y Quraishi, Chief Election Commissioner. The youth have often been touted as the beacon that will guide the country through the tumultuous period of strain that accompanies a nation’s acceleration from a developing to a developed country. The very premise on which the aspirations of a billion people are based is in the vigour and vitality of a youthful demography. The 300 million golden figure is quoted instantly, aspersions are cast on the sustainability of the country or the preposterous theories are punctured. In this atmosphere of superfluous positivity, why do the youth depart

D N A

Nisarg Kamdar questions why a majority of the youth fail to make their way to the voting booth and yet expect change to take place for a weekend jamboree at the nearest tourist spot at the scent of an approaching election? Why do we still register dismal figures at the polling booth irrespective of it being a local, state or national election? At first glance, it appears to be an open and shut case. It displays the apathy and the callousness of the youth when it comes to upholding the basic pillars of our democracy and exercising the right to vote enshrined by the constitution. It displays contempt for the parliamentary democracy and failure to recognise that the democracy is still in an extremely nascent and susceptible state of inception. It requires to be fortified by incubation in the temple of political engagement, activism and

liaison. Jay Mehta, a 20-year-old engineering student chooses to differ. “Maybe it’s because today’s youth is tired of the endless fighting, corruption and inefficiency, which has become the hallmark of Indian politics. We see the same promises delivered to us every election and the inability or the unwillingness of our leaders to fulfil the same,” he says. But shouldn’t that spur on the youth to elect someone who is reputable and can be trusted with their future? He retorts, “I think that the Indian youth today is simply bored of politics and this is on display when you see that many educated, college-going youth don’t even know the names of India’s President and Prime Minister. I think

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in order to get the youth interested in politics, there should be a revamp of the entire political system and it should be ensured that the promises made by the leaders should be delivered. For instance, a young IPS officer was killed when he tried to stop illegal mining. Instead of catching the accused, the political parties began a blame game. If an IPS officer’s murder goes unpunished then what hope can there be for the rest of us.” You have to concede to the final. In spite of union pressure, the legal system laboriously plods along making the idea of any kind of enforceable and effective justice redundant. The shocking thing is when youth, speak of refurbishing the system exactly whom do they expect to do that? The politicos? Wasn’t that precisely what the youth were designated to do? Siddarth Chandrasekaran makes a pithy observation, “Even I’ve been very perplexed by the situation. We go out on the streets in hordes when Anna wants us to. But not to vote!” However, many try to hide behind the garb of procedure and the struggle it takes to procure a voter's ID card. Says Russel Shah, “The government must incentivise voting and streamline the procedure of registering to vote rather than making us run from one desk to another,” resonating most of the country’s youth. Vrushali Ambedkar lands a stinging rebuke, “When you turn 18, no one lands up on your doorstep offering you a voter's card but most of us still have it, don’t we? No one’s going to lay down the red carpet to ‘incentivise’ voting. The biggest incentive is a wellgoverned country where your rights are respected.” Least to say, the political class is enjoying this display of sloth from the young change makers. The closer you look, the more stark the problem appears. Statistics reaffirm our instincts. The voting percentage (from the registered youth voters) has been consistently a couple of notches below the national average. In fact, studies have shown that there

is no discernible youth identity in the way India votes. Locality and gender reign supreme even when it comes to the youth voting trends. The lack of a radical political alternative by the youth who are perennially sobbing at political ostracism is keenly felt. One author, with delightful candour, calls the Indian youth ‘The generation in coma’. They are wiser words from which we’ll do good to seek the underlying message. As we move away in an attempt to grasp the wider context, it seeps in that this isn’t necessarily an India-centric problem and it would be fair to say many developed nations have been acute victims too. Canada has been recording a steady decline in youth voting figures and they tend to blame it on the trust deficit and lack of political astuteness,

with one’s eighteenth birthday.” Studies also draw light to the fact that the younger generation fails to see a direct connect between how their life pans out and which direction they vote. This dampens the motivation to vote. There is this school of thought that the political establishment hasn’t sought to attract the youth to the voting booth. While certainly a lot of media chatter has been bandied around, lack of concrete actions with specific reference to education and other issues concerning the youth can be a major thrust behind this disenchantment. At the same time, the political class is happy at the lack of enthusiasm among the youth for they can continue in its march

A study conducted by a US organisation shows that the major reason why the youth tend to skip voting is the lack of faith in the impact their vote can have. which has led to disillusionment among the youth. A study by a US-based organisation shows that the major reason why the youth tend to skip voting is the lack of faith in the impact their vote can have. Its stupefying because it’s a welldocumented fact that in 2000, the presidential election in America was decided by a mere 537 people. “Voting is not seen as a part of transition to adulthood by students,” the 2009 Youth Electoral Study (YES) stated. “Attending ‘schoolies’, obtaining a drivers license and leaving school are all far more important rites of passage. This is the root cause of the problem. The fundamental lacunae are the inability to value the right of enfranchisement. As highlighted by Richard Neimi, “political ideas—like the consumption of cigarettes and hard liquor—do not suddenly begin

towards a veritable basket case. Voting is a beautiful and rare thing. We are fortunate to have the right to vote. At the same time, it’s a responsibility and a commitment to your own future. Around the Gulf, you see people sacrificing their lives for the singular aim of a right to choose an adept government, a right we choose to disregard for the weekend getaway. As one political commentator so famously stated, ‘If you don’t vote, then, shut up.’ The time is still not lost. We’re passing through a unique moment in a country’s history where a majority of its demographic is full of youthful endeavour, vigour and vitality. Let’s fulfil the promise we carry rather than being relegated to being nothing but the ‘lost generation. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 35

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Razi Shaikh elaborates on the need for youth to find their identity in a society that is quick to judge

Expressive

JoyAware

Fearless Confident

Freedom

Naughty

I AM IWHO AM

Explorative Curious “There comes a time when you have to stand up and shout: This is me damn it! I look the way I look, think the way I think, feel the way I feel, love the way I love! I am a whole package. Take me or leave me. Accept me or walk away! Do not try to make me feel like less of a person, just because I don't fit your idea of who I should be and don't try to change me to fit your mould. If I need to change, I alone will make that decision. When you are strong enough to love yourself 100 per cent, good and bad, you will be amazed at the opportunities that life presents you.” -Stacey Charter

youth today, who in their opinion, waste time and act rebelliously foolish. Or for that matter, consider a person who is gay. He worries about being accepted. Or even a person who has been through her parents’ divorce and leads a lonely existence. Somewhere within, she too craves for acceptance. The same goes for a person who has been sexually abused and who fears that he has forever been blemished. Or someone who has been overshadowed for the better part of their life by a sibling or friend.What must these people really feel like?

onsider this: You see a guy hooked onto some addiction. Most likely, the first word that springs to mind is ‘hopeless’. He is one of the many who has picked up the habit, albeit unknowingly. His life may well be hanging by a cliff. But to society, he is perceived differently. To them, he is the epitome of all that is wrong with

THE RIGHT VIEW? The youth are assumed to be so many things. Yet, the judgement pronounced on them, does it find any takers within their own crowd? They know best who they are. Young, vibrant and impatient, the new generation is a mixed bag from all segments of society. In spite of differences that set them apart, there’s a common spirit that yearns for change.

Reckless, fast-paced and confident, they believe in what they feel is right. Respect for society’s norms may very well be imbibed in their value system, but they ensure that it doesn’t burden them. Standing up to what they feel is right, that’s a part of their DNA. Although old generations would term this attitude as self-obsessed thinking, self-belief is the word that the youth would identify with. This is just another instance that emphasises one of their underlying traits. It's called being different and yet, being yourself. Let’s face it. The rift in the beliefs of the old and new generation is as big as ever. A western outlook towards life and the youthful motto of working hard and partying even harder is a trademark of the current generation. The youth of today are a focussed and goal-driven lot who ooze oodles of confidence. That confidence stems from a belief in themselves, their potential and an acceptance of who they are and where they come from.

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THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED Yet another issue faced by the young crowd who suffer from being termed ‘disabled’ are the ones who are physically challenged, blind or may have some form of a learning disability. The individuals suffering from disabilities constitute about 2.13 per cent of India’s total population. Known as differently-abled, to restore the dignity that they rightly deserve, such individuals have a tough call, simultaneously dealing with a disability and leading a respectable life. They arouse a feeling of sympathy from others and we more often than not, term them unfortunate. However, it is the way they view themselves and respond to their issues is what keeps them going. In this regard, it’s encouraging to see that the earlier emphasis from medical rehabilitation has now shifted to social rehabilitation for such people. THE RADICALS The youth of the country are a radically different breed who yearn to differentiate from the ‘usual’. To them, identity is a coherent part of their existence and anything that encroaches upon it is firmly dealt with. The increasing awareness and acceptance of the LGBT community is a case in point. Once viewed as taboo, homosexuality has largely come out of the closet. This can be attributed to the efforts of the young generation that values self-expression and selfacceptance, refusing to bend before what they perceive as unfair. THE ‘ME’ FACTOR The quest for identity ultimately boils down to–the fundamental question of ‘Who am I?’ The typical youth fumbles and fights with his inner thoughts. There is confusion about what constitutes right and wrong or who are the right people to hang out with. Should all that has been termed ‘uncool’ be followed or dumped? Should one suppress the fact that their identity deviates from the masses?

FINDING ONE’S IDENTITY The identity of the Indian youth is based on a complex interplay of factors such as culture, socio-economic status, fashion, traditions, spirituality and family. As per one survey, 74 per cent of Indians considered it important how their families thought they were doing. In today’s world, an individual’s aspirations are centre stage. Although different in many aspects, a typical youngster would fail to understand what the fuss about his identity is all about. Problems will always arise with the clash of the new and old generations. But today, these differences are glaring. It is clear that acceptance of the current generation requires a different view altogether. We accept in the manner which has been taught to us. Society has imposed on us many a limitation and our fragmented outlook simply highlights our plight. A stereotyped view has been cast on our thinking and we continue to preach it. Reasons ranging from the acceptable to the ridiculous are invoked. Those unfortunate to fall in this line of fire have to lead a compromised existence. ACCEPTANCE Accepting the way one is, is perhaps the hardest thing to do. Members of stigmatised groups in society can vouch for that. For the youth, it can be particularly traumatic. They are at the threshold of entering the real world and are bombarded by a host of issues that plague their consciousness. The rising tide of individualism, excess freedom, effects of westernisation and a flawed system; the blame can be pinned on any or all of these factors. But undermining the cause doesn’t help the youth who are struggling to come to terms with their identity. The average youth copes with issues that can be taxing to say the least. Look around and you will find that those who are young and ought to be enjoying life to the fullest are the ones who appear to be the most distressed. According to one estimate, about 80 per cent of youth who suffer from depression go on to commit

Self-belief is a mantra that most speakers and gurus swear by and this connects well with youth today suicide. It’s an alarming phenomena and a very unfortunate state of affairs. Stress related to academics, careers and peer pressure are the most common issues that the youth face. However, one issue that seems to have escaped our collective thinking is their quest for identity and acceptance. Self-belief is a mantra that most speakers and gurus swear by and this connects well with the current lot of youth. They may be assumed immature or irresponsible but they take any problem thrown at them as a headson task. It is self-belief that propels them and motivates them to achieve the impossible. It may be perceived as arrogant, rigid and self-stuck thinking but the youth of today can be trusted to draw a fine balance between what is right and what is accepted as right. Their beliefs, their views and their behaviour; it’s a part of them that is integral only to them. THE VOICE OF THE YOUTH COUNTS It’s in acceptance that truly lies happiness. A country that claims to care for its youth should make sure that its youth are not stressed out and live a life comfortable in their skin even if their identity doesn’t conform to society’s idealist settings. Only then will the youth be happy. Ultimately, a broader outlook will seep into society, resulting in a happier state of affairs. Any leader worth his salt will vouch for the fact that it’s the youth who are the future of any country. They epitomise everything young, wild and crazy, but with a strong sense of selfbelief in their abilities and potential. It’s their self-belief that guides them. Yet, beneath those layers of confidence, there lies a small part that hopes for acceptance. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 37

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_COVER STORY

survivor’s story Pranaadhika Sinha Devburman shares her painful story of child abuse and how each day is a step towards healing

iscovering one’s identity is a lifelong process filled with hope, fear, trial, error, gain, loss and eventually, a disgruntled acceptance of the truth that one is indeed mortal and therefore imperfect. There is no ‘end’ or conclusion to this journey of discovery, it begins as we are born, and (depending on individual spiritual views) carries on to other worlds via our spirits or fades away and is forgotten.

AN UGLY CHILDHOOD For me, the search for my own identity so far has been enlightening, painful and filled with moments of joy and learning. I was subjected to over 25 counts of childhood sexual abuse, rape and incest from ages 8 to 19; experiences which threatened

to destroy my journey towards selfdiscovery and a normal life. The uphill struggle to overcome the rage and confusion which followed helped to a large degree in developing both my character and personality, which I would like to think of as flawed but pleasant! My parents separated a few months after I turned five. My world shattered into little pieces, and the thought of picking up and moving forward seemed impossible. I felt vulnerable and alone in a world that didn’t care. By the time I was eight, I was visiting my father on weekends, and looked forward to bonding with him. It was during one of these visits that the apartment caretaker molested me on the pretext of showing me around the apartment block’s auditorium. The experience made me angry and guilty at the same time, and I recall the response

of my father’s female cousin when I told her about the experience. She laughed at me and asked me what I had done to make him assault me. I reacted by cutting my hands with a piece of broken glass, feeling that if I made myself ugly, I could avoid encouraging the abuse. Needless to say, I was unsuccessful and endured abuse many times despite my efforts at ‘uglyfication’.

ON DISCOVERIES Like most children, I picked up traits and characteristics based on the way the adults in my family behaved. From my father, I picked up the ability to communicate with anybody; from my mother, the sometimes-dangerous ability to put others’ needs before my own. I discovered a resilience within myself, which was strange considering

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that my self-harming tendencies followed me well into my late adult life. Another pleasant discovery was my enjoyment of books. I read them and began writing my own little series of stories about a girl who was a student by day and a crime fighter by night!

IN RETROSPECT I sometimes wonder how I survived the sexual abuse and the general reaction of people to my disclosures of it. Some family members questioned my sexual orientation (as I had been abused by a female on three occasions), while some were hostile and disbelieved me, calling me a lying brat. Friends too, did not stand by me when I confided in them about a ‘boyfriend’ who would try forcing himself on me during sleepovers when everyone else was sleeping. He denied it outright in their presence, but acknowledged it to me when I confronted him alone. He did not apologise however, and while we are still friends today and I have forgiven him, the memories of those nights will take time to fade. I suppose I have survival instincts or large dollops of good karma that has kept me going.

THE JOURNEY TO SELF-DISCOVERY I am 26 years old now and I in the process of discovering who I really am and what my purpose in life truly is. I started a movement against child sexual abuse when I was 10 years old, and while that movement still exists in the form of the NGO, Elaan: Combat Child Sexual Abuse, I do wonder if there is more in store for me beyond being an advocate for survivors of sexual assault. While in Los Angeles, California in March 2012, where I received the Drawing Hope International Point of Faith Award for my work against CSA, I had the opportunity to self-introspect a little. Having given up on college, post-completion of my A-levels from the Calcutta International School

PHOTOGRAPH BY ANKHI MAULIK

in 2003, I miss the thrill of studying and exams, and hope to earn a college degree soon. Travelling and time away from home always rejuvenates and revives my inner author and one day before my time is up, I hope to publish my account of surviving childhood sexual abuse and inspire others to heal and survive from their pain. Overall, the journey towards selfdiscovery for me has been a long and tiring one. And I feel that there is much more for me to learn about myself and about other people as well.

THE FIGHTER WITHIN I am a fighter and will not give up on battles that I feel are worth fighting. I have been questioning society’s rulebook in which there are rigid ‘rights’ and ‘wrongs’ and wonder as to how relevant they really are, considering that in my world, I was mocked and punished for being sexually assaulted while all the perpetrators who assaulted me were not held accountable or punished. Inside me lies the desire to bring balance to the world, to rid it of people who

I was subjected to over 25 counts of childhood sexual abuse, rape and incest from ages 8 to 19 years; experiences which threatened to destroy my journey towards self-discovery and a normal life. are evil and to give justice to all who deserve it. I have never been capable of putting forth a diplomatic, harmless or safe perspective and have suffered for it. However, I have no regrets, as I would rather be known for being someone who spoke her mind freely, rather than one of those people who ‘say the right things’ on autopilot. My father’s untimely death from cancer in April 2012 was a rude shock to me. It woke me up to the fact that I had stopped travelling, stopped fighting and more than anything, had stopped making the best of my life. I have recently restarted my journey and hope to discover things about myself, both pleasant and otherwise and want to be remembered as a fighter. I want to be able to write at least one book about the things I have discovered and hope that it is large, filled with adventure and abundant laughter. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 39

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_COVER STORY

I In a country where a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential is determined solely by his or her marks, dealing with a learning disorder can be quite challenging. Ankit Shah shares how dyslexia helped him learn some important life lessons

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROHAN FERNANDES

truly believe that failure is the first step towards success. Unfortunately, I learnt this lesson the hard way, when one unfortunate incident occurred during my college years. When one is faced with such an issue, there are two ways of dealing with it. Face it and emerge or give up and crush under its pressure. I obviously chose the easier option: to give up. THE DARK SIDE OF EDUCATION Till the ninth grade, I studied in Amulakh Amichand School and was unaware of the fact that I was dyslexic. I was always a below-average student, but I performed really well at extracurricular activities. I was a shy person but I was able to overcome my shyness while I was dancing. From my school days, I have been really passionate about dance and it has helped me shed my inhibitions in many ways. Towards the end of the ninth grade, my teacher suspected that there was something wrong and that I might be suffering from a learning disability. She said that if I did not look into the cause for my low grades, it would be very difficult for me to pass my board examinations. My parents took me for a checkup, and we were told that I was a suffering from dyslexia, a learning disorder. I was taken aback by this revelation. My parents did not take this news too well either. To add to my misery, I was forced to change my school. I moved to Don Bosco, Matunga because they took care of the needs of special students. My dyslexia also caused low self-esteem because at this point I began to doubt my own capabilities. I stopped talking to a lot of people and had very few friends. Because of these changes, I began to turn into a complete introvert. The fact that I had to cope with a learning disability and a completely new environment overwhelmed me, and I was unable to deal with these unpleasant changes initially.

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COPING WITH CHANGE because I was short of three marks. No grace marks Slowly, I began to deal with the changes in my life and were given and no mercy was shown by my faculty. I was chose to accept my new surroundings. It proved to be quite completely shattered and felt like I had never belonged to challenging but it certainly wasn’t as tough as I imagined my college and my teachers had never really understood it to be. With the support of my faculty and friends, I me. The fact that I was dyslexic haunted me all day and managed to overcome my fears and I sailed through the night. It was like reliving the moment when I was first academic year with ease. I secured 65 per cent in my Class told that I had a learning disorder. I was so upset by this 10 examinations. But as they say, life is full of surprises, and failure that I actually cut off from all my friends, locked I had another one coming my way. myself in a room and disconnected from the world. My When the Class 10 results were declared, I was told that parents worried a great deal about me and obviously the board lost my marksheet and I was kept waiting for didn’t like seeing me in such a state. almost a month! It was an agonising wait because during Some time later, a very dear friend walked into my this time the admission process had already begun and my life and changed everything. He helped me accept my friends had secured seats in different junior colleges. It was learning disability and made me realise that my life is a frustrating time for me as the last date for admissions was meaningful and certainly worth living. Because of him, nearing and there was no news of my marksheet. I felt like I was not only able to face the situation I was in but also a victim and was really disheartened use it to my advantage. because nothing was going my way. I had nothing to do for My parents took sixSince I couldn’t blame anybody for the months but wait for my resituation I was in except fate, and maybe me for a checkup examination, I decided to join my the Maharashtra Board as well. family business. After a while, my and we were When I finally received my brother and I branched out into our informed that I marksheet, I joined Fr. Agnel School, own business. We started with gift where I completed my SYJC. Even articles but as our business started was a suffering though I was upset about not being growing, our range of products also from dyslexia. I able to attend the same college as my increased. Now we deal in bags, shoes friends, I decided to adopt a positive was taken aback and many other female accessories. attitude and accept what life had to a period of time I realised that by this revelation Over offer. During this time, I slowly started just because I failed an examination, it and my parents to develop an interest towards dance. I did not mean that I lacked talent. In found myself really enjoying b-boying fact, I learnt so many practical things did not take and dancing took up a lot of my time. about life such as trading, consumer this news well In fact I did not limit myself to one psychology, import-export rules, tax dance style but decided to explore deductions and many such things, either. To add to more options and delved into popping no textbook out there could my misery, I was which and locking as well. To my surprise, I have taught me. And the practical realized that I could easily adapt and forced to change learning that I acquired really helped learn different moves. This not only to strengthen our business. Currently my school. boosted my self esteem but taught we are one of the best dealers in me that education and marks cannot the market and we hold our own measure your worth. All of us have have some talent or the individual Import Export Code Number number (IEC other, we just have to find and nourish that talent. number). RE-INTERPRETING FAILURE After completing SYJC, I joined SIES College of Commerce and Economics to pursue a BMS degree. This is when things began to change. I quickly adapted to my new college and I actually made some amazing friends. Slowly, the introvert in me disappeared and gave way to a much more confident and outgoing boy. However, the pressure of presentations and projects eventually got the better of me and just when I thought life was beginning to favour me, I was in for another surprise. When my second-year results were announced, I discovered that I had failed a subject

A LESSON LEARNT My brother and my friend made me realise that life is not only about an education. It is not about conforming to the norms of society or worrying about other people’s opinions of you. Instead, it is about overcoming the hurdles you are faced with, accepting challenges and moving on. You need to have courage and the ability to face difficult situations to walk the path of life. After all, these are the qualities that define us, not the marks we score in an examination. It has been a difficult journey but thanks to the support shown by my brother and my friend, I am a much stronger Ankit today. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 41

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I dare to dream

Shireen Irani, visually impaired from birth, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just play the piano from her heart, she also lives life the same way

hen you meet Shireen, who was born without sight, you'd be amazed that this disability has not affected her pathways to success. Shireen adores playing the piano and especially enjoys losing herself to the sugariness of the music. She is an extremely mobile person and does not like to sit at home. "The most interesting first realisation was perhaps when I was very young. I realised that I was

not normal like the other children I could hear around me. When I used to hear the sounds of children running around and playing, I too wanted to do the same. It was then, that I realised that I was not normal. I realised that there were some things that I wasn't able to do," says Shireen remembering an instance when she was young. At the moment, she is pursuing her academic norms hand-in-hand with everything else on her plate. In the past 28 years of her life, she has

achieved a lot, in fact, more than some youngsters her age have. Not only has she completed most of her education in regular schools and colleges, but she has also helped raise funds for the Happy Home and School for the Blind, where she trained young children to be a part of a choir.

THE FIRST STEPS

Shireen started learning the piano at the The Happy Home and School for the Blind. In fact, this school

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helped shape her childhood. It was here that she learnt to read, write and become independent enough to be able to cope up with the struggles of leading a normal life just like people of the same age around her. "I remember this one time when I started playing the piano. It felt so natural and I like to think that it was this one instance when people around me realised that I might have a knack for this marvelous music organ," recalls Shireen. It was in the Happy Home and School for the Blind itself, when her principal immediately set her up for piano classes. Ever since then, Shireen has been playing the piano melodiously. She was later enrolled in a regular school - Avabai Petit Girls School where she was educated from class 3 to 10. One cannot even begin to imagine what it must have been like to study in an environment so different from the one that Shireen got accustomed to at the school for the visually impaired. Yet, it was apparent that she was coping terrifically well. "The most wonderful thing is that people around me have never treated me as if I was an invalid or anyone special. It's not like they made me sit in a corner because I am visually impaired. On the contrary, I was pushed to do my best," she says, talking about her process of learning. She later studied at Jai Hind College for two years and then went on to pursue her graduation in psychology and literature from St Andrew’s College. At present, she is pursuing her master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Mumbai.

ON CHALLENGES

Shireen believes that when she was growing up, the main challenge was to fit in. "You have to prove to yourself that you can be capable just like others. Then only do people start relating to you. I've noticed a lot of people don't know how to react when they approach me. After they speak to me they realise it's not a very different approach!" says Shireen. "Since I can't read notation, I play the piano by

In the Happy Home and School for the Blind, her principal heard her play the piano and immediately set her up for classes. Ever since then, Shireen has been playing the piano melodiously and marvelously, with a sense of apparent ease. ear. But another real challenge has been my linguistic studies for which my professor guides me with extra attention as there are many visualbased things to learn," she adds.

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

Shireen is part of a well-known rock band called ‘Echoes’ who are based in Mumbai. Shireen, individually, plays at various 5-star hotels such as The Taj and the Trident and intrigued many of the hotel's visitors with beautiful renditions of songs. Her favourite music genre is jazz and fusion but she plays all types of music as she knows that she must cater to her audiences’ choice. Such is her love for music! In fact, Shireen

is now part of a new band called 'Blue Blooded' that plays jazz and blues.

LOVING LIFE

Shireen enjoys treks and playing games. "I love to indulge in all sorts of activities that are practically possible for me," she says. She has three dogs whose names are Honey, Coal and Lyka and who have been an immense support for her. "Sometimes I think they are sensitive to my blindness because they move out of the way when I’m walking’’, jokes Shireen. In spite of being visually impaired, Shireen lives each day on this planet, enjoying it like it’s right in front of her eyes. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 43

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LIVING IN THE

SHADOWS

riyanka Sahajwani was six years old when she first developed a fondness for drawing. Now, she has developed such a strong passion for this hobby that she’s happiest while pursuing it. But behind her smiling exterior is a touching story of selfacceptance. Priyanka Sahajwani, a 15-year-old student of Delhi Public School (Pune),

Priyanka Sahajwani shares her story about battling the pressures of having a sibling who is an over-achiever

has been through her share of ups and downs in life. While she has coped well with different situations, there is one issue in particular that took Priyanka a long time to come to terms with. This issue had a major impact on Priyanka's life and caused her to supress her own identity. Through most of her childhood, Priyanka focused on one thing only and that was to be the exact replica of her sister.

BIG SHOES TO FILL

Through most of her schooling, Priyanka was living in the shadows of her older sister, who's list of achievements kept increasing at a steady rate. Priyanka feels having an all-rounder sibling can be a real headache! When asked if she is expected to be more like her sister at home, Priyanka replies, "Of course, it’s something I can’t escape!’’

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Since she was ten-years-old, Priyanka has been expected to be like her sister in every possible way. She was constantly reminded of the fact that her sibling was better at things and pressured into being more like her. ‘’My mother would genuinely expect me to treat my sister as my role model,” says Priyanka. Priyanka's teacher, who taught both the sisters, expected Priyanka to reflect the same admirable qualities of her sister. ‘’My family-friends too would see me as someone who should perform just like my sister or maybe better than her,” she reveals. Especially in the field of studies, she was always expected to match her sister’s performance. A better option would have been for Priyanka to put in her level best and bring out results that were a payback for her own hard work. This proved to be a very low point in Priyanka's life. Now when she looks back, Priyanka remembers it as a time when she was not comfortable in her own skin. The fact that she could not push herself to be as efficient as her sister prevented her from discovering herself. She spent most of her time trying to match her sister’s achievements, ‘"I was blindly competing with my sister so that others were satisfied, ’’ explains Priyanka. One would expect such a situation to have strained relations between the two sisters, but surprisingly Priyanka says that was never the case. This is because Priyanka was completely focused on being like her sister and did not blame her for the the pressure she was under. However, once Priyanka began to focus on herself, the bond between the two sisters strengthened and their relationship reached new heights.

DISCOVERING A SEPARATE IDENTITY It is commonly said that a person is both the cause and the result of his own eudemonia. Therefore, doing what makes you happy is much more

important than trying to achieve something that others perceive as an easy task for you. Unfortunately, this isn’t something Priyanka realised back then. Whether alone or around other people, she was conscious of her every movement. There was a constant dissatisfaction in her mind because she could not be the achiever her sister was. It hasn’t been a long time since Priyanka made her peace with the problem of ‘sibling comparison’. Reminiscing, Priyanka says, "the inception of my path towards selfacceptance can be recollected as the time when people actually started accepting that I might be better at something else.’’ Ironically, it was through her parents that Priyanka realized how

PARADIGM SHIFT

Priyanka has now adopted a healthier outlook and celebrates the differences between her sister and herself. “We are two different people; two distinct personalities. Personally, I think that although she is better than me in studies and other extra-curricular activities, there are some things that I specialize in. For example, drawing and cooking are some of the things I am better at,’’ she reveals. "If people expect me to be like her then that’s fine with me, but at the end of the day I would still like to be myself," says Priyanka. Nevertheless, she does admit that she never looks back at the time when she was living under her sister’s shadow with regret because it did grant her a great deal of learning.

Priyanka spent most of her time trying to match her sister's numerous achievements which ultimately took a toll on her. "I was blindly competing with my sister so that others were satisfied," she explains. she was blindly following her sister’s footsteps. “There came a time when my parents started acknowledging me as another daughter, with different abilities and interests." This development helped Priyanka view herself in a new light. Her confidence gradually increased and a distinct personality began to emerge. Once Priyanka opened her eyes to a world outside her sister’s achievements, she began to appreciate her own talents in ways that surprised her. As soon as she realized that she and her sister are two distinct individuals, her confidence increased and people began noticing her as a unique personality. She finally learnt to ignore what people expected from her and instead set out to discover herself. Through these changes, Priyanka learnt to satisfy herself and that was definitely a start!

And she is grateful for that learning because it has shaped her into the individual she is today.

JUST BE YOURSELF

It's been a bumpy ride but now Priyanka has finally reached a stage in her life where she is comforable being herself. Comparisons between Priyanka and her sister have not disappeared, but Priyanka's negative reaction to the issue certainly has. "It’s always better to know that people think of me as a different body, mind and soul; however, I will never lose respect for those who expect the best out of me!" Priyanka sums up with a thought that is applicable to all our lives. "The secret to living a peaceful life is accepting oneself, no matter how harsh other people‘s opinions about you might be,’’ she says. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 45

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I’M GAY AND

THAT’S OK!

have some really fond memories of my childhood days. They were certainly the best days of my life and sometimes, I wish I could relive them all over again. I was good in studies and knew how to balance my studies with games. I also always managed to rank among the first ten in class. As a kid, I was much into church work like choir singing, alter services and mission work. I loved to be the reason for someone’s smile. Simple things used to make me happy. I didn’t have money to buy myself games and my parents didn’t indulge me too much. So I went to those second-hand sales that were held in one of the chapels for the orphanages and buy games for less than `50! I still enjoy reading books and listening to music. I’m an extrovert and find it quite easy to make friends.

GROWING PAINS

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROHAN FERNANDES

In a country that still fails to accept homosexuality, 20-year-old Gladwyn Jones speaks about love knowing no gender and his experience of coming out of the closet

My school life was great. My best friend and I were responsible for many events in our school and our teacher called us the pillars of our school. My best friend was gay and I didn’t know that for a long time until he himself came out and told me that he happens to be attracted to men. I actually tried to tell him that being gay is wrong and he should come out of it. I said all of this well knowing that I was gay too. But I never liked myself since it was propounded in church that homosexuality is a sin. I believed in the church since it has thought me to help others in need and to be humble. Yet, I never told anyone about being gay. I hated myself and never wanted to get married since I didn’t want to spoil another woman’s life just to save my skin. I knew I liked men from the time I entered adolescence. I just never knew

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that this attraction was termed 'gay' till my friend enlightened me about his sexual preferences. It was only when he was about to leave for the US that I told him that I was gay too. I must have been 18 years old at the time. Soon, I joined gay social sites and made like-minded friends. I felt nice around them since I could just be myself. Gradually, I emerged from hating myself to loving myself. My turning point was when I was told, “God is perfect and what He creates is perfect. He has made you and hence you are perfect”.

ON COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET

I fell in love with Peter on a trip to Goa. He told me never to say no when anyone asks you whether you are gay because if you do, you end up living in denial. When I returned to Mumbai, my parents would often question me as to why I frequently meet this guy. “Are you guys like husband and wife?” they would joke. And it was then that Peter's words came back to me. I responded to them saying that I was gay. While my mum started crying, my dad was shocked. Of course, they didn’t bring up the topic for a while since they thought it was just a phase and that I would soon come out of it. On December 24, 2010, Peter put a ring on my finger. I have no words to express that beautiful moment in my life! I never thought I would get engaged, that too in a society that considered homosexuality a big sin (and crime). My ring gave me the strength to tell everyone about my sexuality. For starters, I updated my status on Facebook saying that I was gay and uploaded pictures of Peter and myself. This was my 'social coming out'. After taking such a brave step, I turned chicken when I was about to enter college. But Peter’s courageous words once again rang through my head and I went ahead without being afraid. To my surprise, not a single person teased me but, to my surprise, congratulated me! In fact, my close

I fell in love with a guy called Peter and was in a relationship with him. He told me never to say no when anyone asks you whether you are gay because if you do, you end up living in denial. friends were angry that I didn’t tell them before. They of course were very understanding when I explained why I couldn't come out to them earlier.

AN UNFORGETTABLE INCIDENT

There was this particular boy in college who for some reason I thought would tease me and make fun of me in front of everyone. On the contrary, he came up to me and told me not to worry about a thing. He said that he was extremely proud of me for being so brave and open about my sexuality. He even went on to say that if anyone teased me, he would deal with them. I was touched by his kind words and felt fortunate to have such gems around me. My circle of friends are quite excited and curious to know when Peter and I plan to get married. The future definitely looks bright.

SOCIETY'S VIEWS

Society in general is against homosexuality, right? But is there a concrete or valid reason for this? Is it that bad being different? I haven’t really faced any serious challenges, but many of my friends who are gay are going through a tough time. It’s sad to see that their own parents, relatives and friends have shunned them and even hate them just for loving someone of the same sex. Homosexual people have been present in the world since the beginning of time. I believe that awareness is a very important thing and that’s the reason why I don’t mind sharing my story. I do hope that everyone who reads this finds it to be of some help. One of my friends once said to me, “One may love lilies, one may love roses and one may love pansies. So, really, what is the problem?” yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 47

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_COVER STORY

t a very tender age when children are learning basic life lessons, I learnt them too. The difference was that unlike the others, I learnt a huge one. In India, you will find a lot of people who think of the word ‘divorce’ as taboo. Frankly, I think there is nothing wrong about it. If two people do not get along, then they have the authority to do what they feel is right. Society’s acceptance should not play an important role when you are taking such a decision. After all, we have to live with the consequences of our choices and so it is only fair that we should be given the liberty to make the right decision. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I would say that if one is more than comfortable with watching television shows that envisage such a scenario then why is it far from being accepted by society?

HARSH REALITIES

PHOTOGRAPH BY M.FAHIM

I am 15 years old now, and I have gone through a lot in past, but who hasn’t? My parents separated in April 2003, when I was only six years old. At the time, I did not really understand what was happening. But I am thankful to my mother for not hiding the truth from me and letting me know what I deserved to know. She came down to the level of my understanding and explained to me what was going on. She told me that my parents weren’t husband and wife anymore and that we would not be living with my father any longer. Too young to realise what this actually meant, I fit in as much as I could grasp into my 6-year-old brain. Today, when I look back, I am able to appreciate what my mother did.

Through a

Sanghamitra Shastri speaks about coping with life as a child of divorce

child’s eyes

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If she had not decided to expose me to reality, I don’t think I would have coped with it as well as I have done today. By 2005, I was well aware of what was going to happen. I understood that my parents weren’t going to stay together anymore and that I was to live with my mum. March 2007 was when their divorce was finalised. I had grown up 'enough' by then and took things more positively. A lot of times people glance at me with questioning eyes and wonder how I dealt with these changes at such a young age and how much of an impact my parent's divorce must have had on my life. In response, I generally have a very simple and straightforward answer to provide them with. It was definitely not a walkover! I am a normal kid, and I am prone to being as affected as everybody else. It certainly has had an impact on me in many ways, both positively and negatively. It has given me the strength and maturity to deal with a lot of things. I have grown to be independent, learnt to take my own decisions and not trouble my mum for petty things. Long story short, I have learnt to take care of myself very efficiently. At the same time, the fact that I don’t have a father around does bother me at times.

NEW FATHER FIGURES

It was difficult to feel the absence of a father figure with the rest of my family around. They had different ways of pampering me and various ways of teaching me things too! They were each a father to me in their own way. My mother and grandmother proved to be an immense support for me. If it wasn’t for them, I have no idea who I would have talked to about all that I felt. More than being my family, they’re my friends with whom I can crack the silliest of jokes and know that they will laugh as hard as me; friends who will back me up whenever I’m going through a rough patch; lifelong friends who will stay with me because I have no escape from them,

and I am so glad about that! Especially with my mother, I am very open and can talk to her all day long about absolutely anything, unlike other teenagers of my age who do not share the same equation with their parents. My childhood was filled with many memories but there are some that are painful to remember. However, I’m still glad that these memories exist because somewhere or the other they have shaped my personality and made me who I am. And all the people in my life who love me, love me for the person that I am today. Nevertheless, it is quite difficult when someone asks you questions like, ‘Why don’t you write your father’s

If two people do not get along well, then they have the authority to do what they feel is right. Society’s acceptance or failure to accept is not to play a role. name?’ Especially if you’re young and naïve that’s the last thing you know how to deal with. I clearly remember one incident that took place in my school when one of my classmates said, ‘Oh! How will she know anything about this? She doesn’t even have a proper family.’ That comment hit me like a tidal wave and I was deeply hurt by these harsh words. I went home and cried a lot. But beneath those tears, I learnt something for a life time: One should never bother about what people say to you. They have their own opinion and you have yours. The reason each person looks different is because they have been made so. And if you too

start thinking like them, then what will remain of the point of being created differently? Also, nobody knows what you have been through or what sort of person you actually are. So never let someone else comment on your problem or your life for that matter. It is your business and you have all the copyrights to it! Look out for your best interests and don't let other people's judgements change your decisions. If I had to make space for what people spoke and thought, I don’t know how things would have been today. But as I said, your past shapes your today!

A MEMORABLE CHILDHOOD

People dominantly have a prejudice that since my parents are no longer together I must have had a lot of problems. Well, yes, I did take time to settle down, to accept myself and to accept my family background but they weren’t the kind of problems people assume. I can proudly say that even though my mother is a single parent, it still has not and will never evade me from all the ice-creams and chocolates of my childhood and the precious moments that life has to offer. I have enjoyed a memorable childhood and never felt neglected because I did not have a father. Neither did I grouse just because I did not have my dad’s surname. I was more than willing to drop my dad’s surname and take up that of my mother. I love my mother very much and I’m so proud of her!

A WORD OF ADVICE

Never let anyone make you feel inferior because your parents didn’t get along. Big deal! That’s their problem and not yours. You have the right to talk to your parents and ask them about it. You can also reach out to a close friend or relative if you find yourself in need of help. Don’t hesitate in reaching out to other people. Also, never think that your parents' divorce is your fault. It never is. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 49

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The parent

trap

Wondering what it takes to win your parents over? Priyanka Banerjee lists some easy-tofollow tasks to do just this

opulating the content of phone conversations and diary entries of today’s youth are the ‘irrational’ yet lovable parents. To live with persistent advocates of the last generation’s culture comes with considerable challenges. So you want those über-cool sneakers. But the only response you

seem to be getting from your parents is “you don’t really need them.” It may seem frustrating and unattainable. Your pleas are probably met with constant refusals, making you give up on arguments even before they've begun! However, it is possible to occasionally win some rounds against your parents. So lighten up and use some of these

techniques. They are sure to help you attain permission for almost anything you want from your folks.

CONSIDER YOUR HISTORY

Past grades, back-answering sessions, reluctance to do chores and so on will probably be the major constituents of their speech on why you can’t do what

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you want to do. Think of reasonable counter-arguments to the unfortunate facts they are in all probability going to use as ammunition. Further, for a comparatively smoother future, ensure that they do not have much ‘bad history’ to refer to.

SET THE MOOD FOR A SMOOTH ‘YES’

It is much easier to pose an argument before a relaxed and smiling parent. It’s best to ensure that they are free of all forms of stress when you choose to begin your conversation. If this calm mood is not easily accessible, showing them a picture of you as an infant should do the trick and having them smiling in seconds!

GET STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

The sooner you reach the happy ending, the better. Some may argue that being too blatant could be seen as offensive by some parents. However, your parents know you better than you think and will pick up on the not-sosubtle signals you will inevitably emit (This can be avoided with practice!).

SHOW A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Exhibiting a sense of responsibility will go a long way in getting you what you want. For example, if you want to go for a late-night party, try giving them the numbers of at least three reliable friends. They will be at rest if you promise to keep to the pre-decided curfew. And, we suggest you stick to it if you plan to ask them for permission to go to the next party!

KEEP THE PROMISES YOU MAKE

This is probably the toughest part of the process. But it almost often guarantees long-term success. Keeping in mind the rules set by your parents will only make them trust you more thus making the process of approval much easier for the future! Most importantly, before executing this process, think clearly about what

you want and whether it is worth the trouble. If it is, then we have your back!

SHOW THEM A HAPPY ENDING

Have you wondered why parents are so quick to refuse their children’s requests? One of the main reasons is because they do not believe their children take decisions that are good for themselves. The easiest way around this hurdle is to convince your parents to see the happy ending that you see for yourself. Remember to be authentic because it is unlikely that your parents will believe that gaming on the X Box will enable you to be a better student. However, if you want to convince your parents of your career choices, this can prove to be an effective solution.

LISTEN IF YOU WANT TO BE HEARD

Parents often use the line 'if you want to be treated like an adult, start acting like one'. So if you show your parents that you can handle an argument like an adult, chances are it might actually end in your favour. In case you find yourself losing the argument, listen to their point of view before you start blaming them for being unfair. This will prevent the argument from heating up and will also show your parents that you are willing to have a rational discussion.

A NOTE OF CAUTION

Now that you are armed with these tips, your ability to negotiate effectively with your parents is sure to improve. But before you head in for the big battle, make sure you are fully prepared. Think about how you can best present your case and also avoid the one mistake that most children make. Do not act stubborn or lose your cool if you are arguing with your parents. The last thing you want is to end the session with screaming matches and slamming doors. Temper tantrums will only ruin your chances of getting things your way, both now

TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND •• Try not to sound like a spoilt brat for whom whining is the only method. •• If your parents ask you to stop bothering them, it’s best to do just that. •• Be prepared to hear the answer ‘no’. •• Don’t yell or slam the door in anger. This behavior will get you nowhere. •• Learn to negotiate with your parents. •• If you promise your parents that you will do something, make sure you stick to your word. •• Prove you can be responsible if you want your parents to bend the rules •• Get to know your parents and allow your parents to get to know you too. •• Give them time to think about your request. •• Compromise is the key to getting close to what you want. and in the future. Remember that 'my way or the highway' is not the only possible solution. Sometimes it's alright to meet your parents half way and compromise slightly. Maybe you don't get your ideal curfew time, but atleast you get to attend a great party. So go ahead and try these techniques, blend them with a few of your own if you like. We hope it helps to covert that dreaded 'no' into a heart warming 'yes!' Good luck and happy bargaining! DISCLAIMER: Youth Inc cannot be held responsible for the possible effects of this process. This could possibly include confiscation of beloved items by parents, getting grounded, or an increase in house chores to be attended to. yi

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The ‘Spare

me’ gal S

PARE ME – The two words India won’t forget for a very long time. Pooja Misrra, the recent Bigg Boss girl, who was tormented by the housemates on the show, ganged up against and verbally abused, still stands tall. For people who didn’t follow the show from the beginning and only managed to see a few dramatic outbursts, Misrra appears unfair, loud and scary. But dig beneath the service and you’ll find that the real Pooja Misrra is an inspiration to the youth of today. Born and brought up in South Mumbai, Pooja moved back to Mumbai after completing her junior school in the UK. Pooja began her TV stint with a talk-show Jab We Talk on B4U, where she came up with solutions for relationship problems. Two years ago, she took part in the reality television show Big Switch on UTV Bindass. Being bullied in school, college, at the workplace or for that matter, anytime in life, is something most people have gone through. But how many have had the courage and strength to stand up to such bullies? It’s easy to play the victim and feel sorry for oneself. But the 'Spare Me' gal has proved that a single girl is not helpless and when pushed in the corner, can fight back to save her dignity and honor. Who is Pooja Misrra and what does she stand for? Pooja Misrra stands for will power, honesty and soft strength. I still remember when the whole house (Bigg Boss house) ganged up against me, I still held my ground without getting feeble or waiting for someone to validate or side me as I have always been a confident girl and can stand up for myself. I believe that 50 million can echo a lie and it does not become the truth; it takes just one person

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In a candid interview, Pooja Misrra talks to Karan Gupta about who she is and what her message for the youth of today is to speak the truth, and as history is a witness, truth does not need validation! Everyone sooner or later realises the truth.

THE BIGG BOSS

How do you get the strength to deal with bullies? I simply believe in myself and therefore manage to find my way through attention seeking bullies who have a false notion about themselves that they are all high and mighty. I, on the other hand, am totally humble, level headed and brave and find it amusing when people mistake kindness for my weakness. In retrospect, I might have not won Bigg Boss but I won the hearts of millions as till this day, people walk up to me, hug me and tell me ‘you are absolutely not what they made you out to be on the show and we know that it was the game of TRPs.’

Pooja Misrra was singled out for no reason and her bag was taken away by one of the contestants soon after she walked into the house. Being upset, Pooja didn’t interact much with the other contestants and a series of misunderstandings led Pooja to be ostracised and picked on. Finally, her feelings of frustration of being treated badly and being ganged up against got the better of her and she reacted angrily towards the other contestants, which eventually got her out of the show. However, after a few weeks, realising that removing Pooja from the house was the worst possible mistake for the show, the organisers got her back in. Pooja’s second inning on the show showed a softer side to the often misunderstood girl. Throughout the show, Pooja used the words ‘spare me’ which became a national sensation and to date are the most popular words among the youth.

There are people who are constantly criticising and putting you down. What would you say to these people? If the voice of self-belief inside is loud enough, the voices from the outside eventually fade off. I believe that haters have nothing better to do and are in fact, confused admirers. Haters are like sand paper - they keep scrubbing you as a result of which you get more and more polished, and at the end of it all, they are useless. Therefore, I would like to thank my detractors to motivate me to reach higher in my life. I have always believed that greater the opposition, bigger the success. What is the secret of your success? Positive thinking. What is your take on violence? I think it’s futile as the biggest battles are not won by weapons but by the mind.

INCIDENT

Make love not war. Therefore, when a small nudge was blown out of proportion and a molehill was made into a castle on Bigg Boss, I found it most amusing, as I am the most peaceful soul around. What are your plans for the future? I have a handful of things happening as I can write, dance, fashion design, act, do stand up comedy, model and even anchor. But it is movies in the near future - my upcoming movie Baja Baja Dunga has me dancing to the climax item song and is being directed by Chandra Don Barot and produced by Padamshree winner Anup Jalota, which only adds to the fun. How different is Pooja in Bigg Boss from the real-life Pooja? Bigg boss was a one track character which was sensationalised for TRPs. My temper was highlighted and the other positive traits subdued or not shown at all. That does not make me into the person I was made out to be, as I am only responsible for what I say, not for what you or the audience understands. I think the audience are smart enough to realise that. The real Pooja Misrra is soft, feminine and all woman, yet strong and brave. A message for the youth of today? I would like to tell them to be strong, fearless and to always follow their dreams! It's important to keep your eyes on the stars but your feet firmly on the ground. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 53

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_COUNSELLOR CONNECT

JAYANTI GHOSE

Jayanti Ghose is a career and education consultant. She holds an honours degree in economics and a degree in education. Her research in career counselling and guidance spans more than 25 years. She pioneered the concept of career counselling and career writing in the print media. She is actively involved in personal and group counselling.

CREDIT TRANSFER Q: I started working after completing two years of the Bachelors in Mass Media from Mumbai University. I would now like to complete my graduation. Would pursuing the final year from another university be legitimate if the university is not recognised by the Distance Education Council (DEC)? Is there a credit transfer system? Saravanan Ananthan ANSWER ANSWER

Switching to distance education to complete a degree might be possible for those who are pursuing a BA or a BCom rather than those pursuing a specialised course. Bachelors in Mass Media as a stream isn’t offered through distance education under the same university. Thus, your shortest path to graduation would be to resume your studies in regular mode. Opting to take up the third year through distance education from another university altogether, which is not DEC recognised would not provide you with a valid bachelor’s degree at the end of it all. It might be of interest to you to know that a formal credit transfer system between universities or programmes is being discussed.

ANSWER ANSWER

Alternatives would be agricultural sciences, food science and technology, dairy technology, nautical science, five-year integrated MSc (BS-MS) or BS at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore or BSc IT/ Computer Science or B Arch/ BDes/ BFA (if you have talent for sketching), five-year law degree, hotel management or switch to BCom and do chartered accountancy/ cost and works accountancy or company secretary course. You may also move to a BA or BBA/ BMS, etc.

DEFENCE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION Q: I am pursuing an engineering degree. I want to take up training at DRDO. What is the process? Diptesh Rao DRDO comprises different laboratories across the country. Each laboratory has a different field of research, development and core competence like armaments, materials, electronics, heavy vehicles, missiles, life sciences, etc. The laboratories are under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence. Each has different training policies based on their security restrictions. The director of the concerned lab is the only approving authority for any type of industrial training. You may apply for summer training to the director of a suitable lab as per your discipline through the head of your college. Visit the DRDO website- www.drdo.gov.in. Visit www.rac.gov.in/ set.php for details of recruitment through campus placement or Scientist Entry Test when you are about to graduate or have already graduated.

DISTANCE EDUCATION Q: I want to pursue an MA in English through correspondence, although, I did not have English as a subject in graduation. Please suggest names of the institutions offering this course. Aaliya Khan The following universities offer the option of MA English through distance education: U P Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU), Allahabad, UP (www.uprtou.ac.in), IGNOU (www.ignou. ac.in) and The English & Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad (www.efluniversity. ac.in). Track the distance education admission notifications in the prominent dailies for more choices. Confirm your eligibility for admission by going through the prospectus or admission notification of relevant universities.

ANSWER ANSWER

OPTIONS Q: I am in class 12 with PCM. What are the career options if I am not interested in engineering? Manoj Wadhwani

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PERVIN MALHOTRA & ZUBIN MALHOTRA

Pervin Malhotra has helped students for over 15 years to make educational and career choices by providing them with information and guidance on the options available. Zubin Malhotra is a management graduate and journalist by training. He is an alumnus of IIM Kozhikode where he majored in marketing and finance.

First the good news: The London School of Economics and Political Science, popularly known as LSE, does indeed offer more than three dozen undergraduate courses (BSc/ BA/ LLB). These courses cover a wide gamut from anthropology to social policy; from statistics & mathematics to geography and international relations; from law to politics and philosophy. Now for the bad news: LSE doesn’t accept any Indian school leaving examination as sufficient for admission to an undergraduate program. For gaining admission, a student would need to instead or in addition, do one of the following: • 3 A-levels • The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma • At least 5 'Group A' advanced placement subjects • A University of London external programme qualification • A foundation course • A year of university study from another institution Applicants who choose to apply on the basis of an undergraduate degree are normally expected to obtain not less than good upper second class marks, ie at least 60 per cent overall, but higher marks in specific subjects may also be necessary. Such applicants may also be required to give the LSE entrance examination. All undergraduate applications to LSE must be made through UCAS (the central admissions service for UK universities). Typically, the closing date for applications is 15 January in the year that you wish to start your course at LSE. For more information visit the following: www.lse.ac.uk/study/informationForInternationalStudents/ countryRegion/southAsia/india.aspx

Post your queries in our Counsellor Forum at youthincmag.com Queries sent by email will not be responded to.

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INTERNATIONAL MBA Q: I am in FYJC commerce. I wish to pursue MBA-Finance from a foreign university. Could you suggest some courses I can do after completing my BBA that are relevant to an MBA and will help me get a job to meet the work experience requirement of an international MBA? Vir Bajwa Your enthusiasm and forward thinking deserves to be lauded. There are several things that you can do while still in college (another 4+ years) and even while working (most foreign MBAs require a minimum of 3-4 years of work experience) which, will not only add to your career and qualifications, but also support your MBA (Finance) application. NCFM – NSE Certification in Financial Markets offers a whole gamut of courses in capital markets, trading, mutual finds, etc. CA – Chartered accountancy is popular among commerce students and from other streams! The drawback is that you can't pursue a regular graduation course alongside the CA course. CS/ CWA/ CIMA – Company secretary, cost and works accountant, chartered management accounts are qualification certifications that can be pursued alongside your graduation. Once you complete your graduation, you can look at these additional qualifications. CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst is the goldstandard certification for those looking to set themselves up as investment professionals. This globally recognised certification opens up avenues in investment banking, portfolio management, equity analysis and valuation, debt analysis and valuation, credit, rating, wealth management and financial research. CFP – Chartered Financial Planners are trained and certified professionals who develop a strategy to build their client’s wealth and protect it, to work towards achieving their goals, to identify their financial issues, risks and make recommendations about suitable investments and insurances.

ANSWER ANSWER

UNDERGRAD STUDIES Q: While researching undergraduate study options in the UK for my son, I came to know that LSE offers undergraduate courses. Being a student from CBSE mode can my son apply and get admission into LSE for any of their courses? Chandan Das

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_OUT OF THE BOX

BLOG ON!

Discover how blogging has transformed from being a hobby to a lucrative career option - Bilal Siddiqi and Razi Shaikh

ou sign into Facebook, perhaps post a few tweets, surf the Internet and indulge in all sorts of selfexpression thanks to the free nature of the virtual world. In a nutshell, you can shout as much as you want and most often you will be heard too! Nothing exemplifies this more than blogging. Once regarded as the domain of the tech-savvy, blogging has truly come of age, with professionals and everyday netizens becoming a part of the

blogosphere. Unlike the initial period when blogging was just an outlet for one’s passions and interests, today, it has become a viable profession. Although a relatively new career in India, blogging is now being pursued seriously. “I started blogging as a hobby back in 2008 because I love to write. A friend of mine, Karan Wadhera, suggested I start a blog. I had never heard of blogging until then. I also started to discover Perez Hilton and Pop Sugar and was very intrigued!

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I was still doing radio full time and had also taken on being the Digital Head at Channel [V]. But I started to enjoy blogging so much that it almost became a daily activity. Plus, I almost immediately started getting positive feedback from people about the blog so that encouraged me to blog even more. The rest, as they say is history!” says Malini Agarwal, a popular celebrity blogger.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN BLOG?

Although blogging may come across as a piece of cake, gainful blogging is a different ball game altogether. You must network, have patience and most importantly, have an unwavering passion towards your blog. If you are one of the many who have been bogged down by the 9-to-5 job, blogging may come as a lucrative retreat. You get a chance to write on topics that you love and are passionate about, whenever you wish to. Basically you become your own boss! But you ought to ask yourself some crucial questions. Can you really earn your bread and butter from blogging? Are you serious enough to devote the required time to it? Will you be able to sustain your blog in the long run with your content? Indeed, there are plenty of questions and to get your blog up and running, you will first need to answer them all.

LUCRATIVE OR NOT?

Let’s admit it; we are all suckers for money. Other than the usual perks that come with blogging, you can also rake in the moolah. Depending on how your blog is listed and the number of visitors it gets, blogging can give you some decent returns. And today, gaining money from your blogs is easier, thanks to the availability of services like Google AdSense, BuySellAds, TribalFusion and BlogAds. These services save you from the nitty-gritties of looking out for ads by yourself. Instead, you are charged 30 per cent for the ad hosting services provided, while you pocket the rest. Here is a fun-fact while we are on the

subject of the prospects of blogging. Mashable, a tech blog started in 2005, was recently bought over by CNN for a whopping $200 million! Yes, blogging can get you that far. The blogosphere is vast with over 150 million bloggers with at least 11 per cent of them earning their primary income from blogging. The youth have all the more reason to be a part of the blogging bandwagon as research indicates that about 37 per cent of bloggers are in the age bracket of 18-34. With age on your side and a passion to guide you forward, blogging as a career can seriously work for you. Malini Agarwal says, “I definitely feel that one can work towards becoming a full-time blogger. I think I am living proof that this can be a full-time job! It is important, however, that you have a specific content focus and audience in mind.”

is the complete freedom of expression. Some people believe that blogging as a career is something that one cannot decide beforehand; it is said that a good blogger stumbles into this world invariably. "I blog to express my thoughts and ideas. I don't write with the intention of attaining a large audience. And, I write at my convenience. So in the future, if my blog gets a larger viewership, that's great. But if it isn't overwhelming, that's fine too," says Trikaash Karkera (student, 17) who has his own blog.

THE ROAD TO BLOGOSPHERE: •

•

GETTING STARTED

Blogging may start off as a way of killing those extra twenty minutes of time or as a way of putting out one's ideologies into the open. Getting started on a blog need not mean you do it with the sole intention of making money. A true blogger never starts off with the motive of milking the potential revenue the Internet holds out dry. “Many friends suggested that I start a blog. For me, it was an attempt to understand the place in which I was living- Delhi. It only made sense by writing about this city. Thus, was born The Delhi Walla!” says author Mayank Austen Soofi. A true blogger is one who types out his words directly as they come to his head. He may not have a superior command over his grammar or may even have that annoying habit of making typos, but what he does have

•

Find a decent blogging platform that appeals to you. The most popular platforms are Blogspot, WordPress, Tumblr and TypePad. These user-friendly sites offer a host of templates. Decide whether you want your blog to be private or public. Do you want anyone on the Internet to be able to read your blog or do you just want your own circle to read it? Find a topic that you want to write on and stick to it. Slightly random but related stuff on the blog is fine, but maintain the subject that your blog is all about. Publish your blog by sending the URL to your friends or publish the URL on your website. Add the URL to posts you make on other blogs, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Avoid plagiarism at any cost. Imagine investing time and energy into an article only to have someone 'cut, copy and paste' it on their own blog. Not cool, right? Don't do it either. Don’t make the mistake of blogging just for money. Once you start expecting your bank balance to increase, the will to write for your readers diminishes. Your page may be clustered with ads and the quality may go to the dogs. If you make it a moneyspinning tool, problems are bound to come up. JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 57

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_OUT OF THE BOX

MAKING SENSE OF IT ALL

Bloggers today are almost as good as journalists. They are called upon to cover events, offer their inputs (valuable or otherwise) and then promote companies, brands or people. In a way, a blogger has become one of the tools of public relations and promotions. Of course, the blogger has the option of writing negatively too, since nobody can force him to write what he doesn't believe in. Yet, no public event like a product launch or fashion event is complete without the presence of bloggers.

Miss Malini’s tips for budding bloggers!

The youth have all the more reason to be a part of the blogging bandwagon as research indicates that about 37 per cent of bloggers are in the age bracket of 18-34. Two years ago, bloggers were faceless with just a catchy online name to go by, but nowadays, they are widely recognised in the real world as well. “The best moment in my blogging history was when my blog was mentioned in Pakistani textbooks as well as in a cover story in the Guardian!” says Soofi of his blog on offbeat things to do in Delhi. Interestingly, Harper Collins approached him to write books on Delhi after seeing his colourful and in-depth blog. The infamous Anupam Mukherji, the mind behind the 2008 IPL ‘Fake Player’ fiasco, now writes regularly for a daily in Mumbai. It's true; blogging has grown by leaps and bounds and is not limited in scope anymore. Today, we have blogs about fashion, health, lifestyle, technology and what not. People are even finding new and innovative ways to monetise their blogs.

AND JUST ONE MORE THING

So are you gung-ho about blogging yet? Just make sure you have a plan B alongside your blogging venture. It always makes sense to adopt a safe approach and have a backup plan. You need something to fall back on, just in case things don’t go as planned. This is when education and your past work experience will come in handy. Blogging can be a fun and rewarding experience and give you immense satisfaction. It’s a learning curve, so the more you blog, the more you stand to learn and gain. We suggest you start with one and devote at least an hour in a day to it. A key to bettering your blog is to stay persistent, know your audience, network with other bloggers and most of all, keep blogging on what you love the most. You will find that with the blog making it big, your satisfaction and interest levels will grown immensely too. Happy Blogging! yi

• Use a blog theme that's easy to navigate and fun to look at. • Blog everyday to keep your audience coming back for more. • Blog about things you know and care about. If you're faking it, it shows. If you love what you blog about, you're golden! • Be yourself, blogging is very different from typical writing. Type how you talk. • Use the power of social media to share your posts, and ask your friends to help you spread the word. • Always spell check!

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_CAREER WATCH

R D ! W O JOURNALISM IS NOW PROVIDING THE YOUTH NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES IN BOTH PRINT AND BROADCAST MEDIA. SUHANI MARDIA FINDS OUT MORE

oday, the rapid growth of the media has not only changed the perception of people towards journalism as a concrete career, but it has also increased the demand for skilled people. Communication and technology have reached the peak of their relationship with people recognising the need to be constantly updated about relevant happenings. Be it

magazines, the Internet or the good old newspaper, the mediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main task is to spread information. In a democratic country like India, journalism has become an integral part of society that allows the public to voice their opinions in governmental affairs and daily events. Believe it or not, journalists have the power to influence the multitudes with first-hand information that they possess. The potential to influence

minds, drastically change beliefs and revolutionise thought processes lies in their hands. Worldwide, journalism has been known to transform and invigorate freedom struggles and independence movements too. This field has been deemed a lucrative but challenging career option. The core activities in the job involve reporting, writing, editing, photography, broadcasting or cable casting news items. JULY 2012 â&#x2022;&#x2018; Youth Incorporated 59

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_CAREER WATCH

India’s top journalism institutes • Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Ahmedabad

www.mica.ac.in/mode/home

Journalism is broadly divided into two categories: print, which consists of newspapers, magazines, digests and journals; and electronic journalism, which consist of the internet, radio and television. It is a career option for the adventurous that provides excitement on a daily basis. You can be an editor, reporter, cartoonist, writer, columnist and what not! WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A JOURNALIST Can you write about how your neighbours fought without being too verbose or boring? If you are looking for a career in journalism, you must have a confident temperament. You should have a flair for writing, and you must be accurate and concise about what you write. Working under deadlines should be a journalist's

mantra. Amongst the many things required to be a journalist, it is important to have a high calibre, awareness, an inquisitive mind and an understanding of the differences between reality, fiction and tact. It’s like an unwritten law to be unbiased towards any situation. If you are persistent, talented and hard working, a career in journalism is for you. To get a feel of what kind of writing it takes to become a journalist, read as much as you can, from newspapers to popular blogs. You can also decide what kind of journalism you want to dabble in since journalism has expanded to countless avenues. For instance, you can now choose to enter the fields of political journalism, photo journalism and tabloid reporting amongst many more.

• Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai- Postgraduate diploma in journalism & mass communication

www.xaviercomm.org

• Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore

www.iijnm.org

• Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai

www.asianmedia.org

• Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi

www.iimc.nic.in

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Prabhu Chawla

Barkha Dutt

International J-Schools • Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, New York

Rajdeep Sardesai

http://journalism.columbia. edu/home

Prannoy Roy

• Stanford University, California

http://comm.stanford.edu/ journalism/

Mark Tully

Shobhaa Dé

• The London School of Journalism, United Kingdom

www.lsj.org

• University of California at Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, California

http://journalism.berkeley. edu/

WHY SHOULD I TAKE UP JOURNALISM? Well, assuming you can cope with the pressures of the job and have the confidence to take on various challenges of such a demanding industry, the obvious financial rewards may entice you. There is also the knowledge of having contributed in some way to an industry with your ideology and thoughts, which brings about satisfaction and love for what you do. WORK EXPERIENCE Most of the jobs in the media are filled by word of mouth and are often not advertised at all. Get to know people in the media world because networking is important in this industry. In the end, a good job with a decent salary all boils down to certain qualities and traits that you need to possess. If you want to be a reporter, get in touch with your local magazine, newspaper, radio station or news channel. If you want to work for a

particular magazine or newspaper, find out where they are based. Yes, it’s important to contact and badger them. Badger them until they give you a response since persistence really pays in this field. Explain that you are a trainee and need a lot of work experience. But don’t continue to annoy them once they tell you that they cannot help you. Call them after a month or so for any available offer. Having a conversation over the phone is always better than electronic mail. People are busy and they rarely have the time to go through a bunch of mails stacked up in their mailbox. When you call them, be concise about what you have to say and don’t ramble on. Talk about what you can contribute and why you can help them. Convince them to read your resume and published articles (if any). If they don’t respond for weeks, make sure to call them back until they say something. This shows a lot of dedication to your work. Remember that dedication is always the secret ingredient to achieve anything you want in life.

• Northwestern University, Meddil School of Journalism http://medill.northwestern.

edu/

Scoring an internship always helps. Many magazines offer internships to young students where a lot about the writing process can be learnt. STAND OUT! You need to be remembered. Don’t be shy in a large office. It’s important to talk and engage in conversation. Make an impression and don’t wait for work to be given to you. Work experience is not too hard to find. Most places are understaffed and extra hands are always welcome. But that’s of no use if those hands have no ability to construct a new story, interview people or do research. It’s crucial to be on your toes, doing everything that needs to be done. So, if you enjoy stringing words together and reporting about current affairs, it’s time you make your experience with words a richer one by entering the field of journalism. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 61

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_IN CONVERSATION

An all-round EDUCATION My 'true' side has quite a bit of fun sprinkled in. Trying to be loyal to my duties, students rarely get to see that I am at heart, a peace-loving person. I love to interact with people and appreciate nature, music, stage acting, and cricket. What is the one belief that you’ve stuck to all through your teaching career? Not only in teaching, but also in all areas of my life, I strongly believe in ‘karma’. Every deed that we perform bears its fruit and no matter what, we have to undergo it.

Parashar Thakkar, fondly called Professor Paro by his students, speaks about his methods of teaching

hirty three years in the field of teaching, umpteen challenges and hundreds of miracles is what professor Parashar Thakkar is made up of. These accomplishments most certainly make for one revolutionary teacher. But more than teaching his pupils to be good students, since 1979, this professor has taught them to be good humans. Your students say that you are not only the best teacher they’ve ever known but also a friend they respect. Why do you think your students feel this way? Even though I am a teacher, I have never liked to be treated differently. In fact, I try not to behave like a teacher! Instead, I prefer to be a student’s

friend. I believe that students should ‘learn while they learn and play while they play’. I try to give them a learning experience which is enjoyable. You have a totally different method of teaching. Tell us more. In most of the competetive exams these days, including the exams that higher-level students appear for, and even in practical life, ‘thinking’ has become very necessary as a means to succeed. Hence, my teaching methods aim at encouraging ‘thinking’ as well as motivating students. This comes at a time when rote learning is the norm of the day in our country and educational system. Every coin has two sides, what’s your fun side?

What would be your ideal education system? I would prefer that education is taught in either a student's mother tongue or the national language of the country. It is an irony that as Indians, we tend to know English better than our own mother tongues or Hindi for that matter. I do respect English as an international language and strongly feel that there should exist a balance between our regional language and English. I'd like a system that not only encourages hard work, discipline and healthy competition but also brings about an all-round growth of a person, which in turn makes him/her a good human. What does the youth of today lack? Today’s youth lacks a sense of spirituality and thus, emotional maturity. They are too obsessed with material things. They need to improve their human qualities for the betterment of their own lives. yi

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_CAMPUS REVIEW

BOMBAY SCOTTISH S A look at how the school’s heritage architecture and modern infrastructure come together to create a memorable campus experienceBilal Siddiqi

ombay Scottish School was originally established for children of Scottish descent, but later opened its doors to all communities. Today, ‘Scottish’, as it is popularly known as, is a perfect blend of old and new architecture. It is also considered to be one of the best schools in the country.

HISTORY

In 1847, a small group of Scottish missionaries decided to give orphaned children of Scottish Presbyterian soldiers an education that would enable them to take their rightful

place in society. In 1859, the Bombay Scottish Orphanage School came into being. By 1976, however, the name was changed to Bombay Scottish School since it was no longer limited to orphans. The premises included a gigantic plot opposite the sea and an imposing edifice was constructed. The singlestoreyed structure in black granite, built in colonial style is now declared a heritage site. The kindergarten classes are located here, as is the principal’s residence, the chapel and the huge library. The chapel is known as the Mackay Hall, which serves as a singing

room, multimedia theatre and a prayer and meeting hall. The two-storeyed North Block that was constructed in 1937, consists of an art room, the science laboratories and lecture rooms. To accommodate the increasing number of enrolled students, another three-storeyed South Block was constructed in 1967. This block has the largest hall- the Gamaliel Hall, which accomadates the students during the morning assembly, competitions and examinations. The school also has an ancient Banyan tree, which forms an integral and symbolic part of the campus.

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H SCHOOL, MAHIM is primarily for the senior classes including the ISC section. Most of the classrooms are now aided with digitally responsive interwrite boards.

LIBRARY AND LABORATORIES

The main library has over 20,000 books available to all the students throughout the day. The laboratories are divided according to the sciences and the students carry out their practical work here.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The school has one of the most lavishly organised annual Christmas Concerts, which is spread over three days. The concert gives every student an opportunity to perform, either individually or along with the entire class. This is the most-awaited period of the year as it ensures loads of fun and frolic a month in advance, what with all the practice sessions!

CANTEEN Furthermore, a 105-year-old piano still remains intact and is played every morning at the assembly and for other events.

MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE

In 1997, to coincide with the school’s 150th year, a three-storeyed extension was added to the Heritage Block to house additional classrooms and computer labs. The most recent introduction in the form of an additional building that houses a basketball court was completed in 2009. This building

Besides these aspects of the campus, the school also has one of the most reasonable canteens, which has many sumptuous treats like pao bhaji, cheese rolls, pasta, fried rice and much more.

HANGOUTS

Right outside the school is the ever delightful Shrees, which is a favourite with the students. He prepares the best frankies in town. The chicken frankie, for instance, is prepared by an ever-smiling, amiable chap called Anil for as little as `20! Bombay Scottish aims to help its students excel in every possible field and is therefore rightly considered to be one of the best schools around. I'm glad to be a part of it! yi

ALUMNI SPEAK: EX-STUDENT ABISHA FERNANDES REMINISCES ABOUT HER ‘SCOTTISH’ DAYS There is something about the glorious grey building that seems to welcome you the minute you step inside the Bombay Scottish School compound. And for 12 years, Scottish was all my life seemed to revolve around. There are many reasons for this. Here are some of them: I cannot count the number of extracurricular activities I participated in during my time at this school. My personal favourites were the dramatics competition and the elocution competition. Besides these two, there were dance competitions, quizzes, spelling bees and various sports competitions. The teachers at Bombay Scottish contributed greatly to where I am today. One teacher in particular helped confirm the career I have chosen. The expansive school grounds were perfect for lunch-break strolls with friends. I remember the occasional search for secret passageways, an activity that almost always proved futile! My school library was a treasure I cherished. My guilty pleasure was the rack piled with Agatha Christie novels. But other than the entire shelf devoted to the queen of suspense, our library is filled with various encyclopedias, autobiographies, maps and other gems. Once I graduated from school, I realised that Bombay Scottish gave me much more than an education- it made me a cut above the rest and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. After all, my school motto is-Perseverantia et Fide in Deo (Perseverance and faith in God).

. . . . .

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PHOTO CREDIT: WWW.INDYA101.COM

_PRODIGY

THE

BUDDING

STAR A CHAT WITH ACTOR DARSHEEL SAFARY ON HIS FIRST ACTING EXPERIENCES, FUTURE PLANS AND MORE

arsheel Safary began his career at the tender age of 11, when he made his debut in Taare Zameen Par as the protagonist, Ishaan Avasthi. His portrayal of a struggling dyslexic child guided by Aamir Khan, literally moved the country to tears. He went on to get nominated for six awards and won five of them including an award for the best actor. At the moment, the actor who is all of 16 years is wrapping up work on Deepa Mehta’s adaptation of the Salman Rushdie bestseller Midnight’s Children. He will be playing the younger Saleem Sinai and will be seen sporting a prosthetic nose in the movie! Darsheel is also among the 12 contestants on Jhalak Dikhlaja, where he was recently spotted dancing with both Madhuri Dixit and Priyanka Chopra, who were on the show as a judge and special guest respectively. He recently revealed that he may not continue acting in the future as he also sees dancing as a passion and might thus look out to work on his choreography skills. YI: How did you get your first audition? DS: I was in Shiamak Davar's dance

company and there was a general audition for Taare Zameen Par there. I got shortlisted for that and was called to Shiamak's office at Khar where after three rounds, I was shortlisted for the role (from 5000 kids from all over India). YI: What was your experience like? DS: It was an amazing experience on the sets! I couldn’t sleep the night before my first day of shooting because it was a first for me. I was also really excited and happy that I wouldn't get time to study. However, that didn't happen! I had my tuition teacher on sets. So I had to study on sets between takes so that I wouldn't miss out on my studies. However, the atmosphere out there was totally awesome! YI: How do you feel now after your performance was appreciated? DS: It was and still is a great feeling! When you've worked hard and people like it, that's just great. All I want is that all my fans love me. YI: How has your life changed after the movie? Do you like the changes? DS: Life changed completely because before Taare Zameen Par, I could just go anywhere I wanted to without getting mobbed or stuck anywhere.

Now if I go anywhere, I get surrounded by people who want to take my pictures and autographs. But to be honest, that’s great fun! YI: What are your future plans? DS: I haven’t decided on anything specific as yet. It's acting for now as it’s my hobby. After my tenth I might decide something different. I also like dancing a lot! YI: Are you working on any project presently? DS: Yes, I shot for a film called Winds of Change directed by Deepa Mehta. It’s the film adaptation of the Salman Rushdie novel Midnight's Children. I play the role of younger Saleem. YI: Your favorite pastimes? DS: I like listening to music, dancing, swimming and reading books. YI: Your favorite actor, actress and movie? DS: My favorite actor is Hritik Roshan while Kareena Kapoor is my favourite actress. My favorite film is 3 idiots. I really like its theme. YI: What kind of food do you like? DS: I really love to eat pizzas, subways, dosas and chatpata chats. yi

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oy uth buddy

outh Inc’s Y e b to e c n a h c Here’s yourntative of your institute represe

What is a Youth Buddy? A Youth Buddy will be closely involved with Youth Inc magazine as a one point contact for various activities

Who is eligible to be a Youth Buddy? If you are well-connected, active, driven and creative then you will be a perfect fit. You must be enrolled in any school, college or institute in class 9 and above

WHAT A Youth Buddy DOES? As a Youth Buddy, you will be in touch with students from your institute for Youth Inc’s opinion polls, makeovers, model watch and more! Help Youth Inc understand the culture of your institute, bring forth youth issues and organise events

What’s in it for you? IF YOU ARE SELECTED TO BE A YOUTH BUDDY:

1. You will get your first professional entry on your resume by working with us 2. You develop real-world skills way ahead of time. It’s your chance to see your ideas come to life! 3. Communication, leadership and management skills will be put to test, ensuring that you emerge ready to take on the real world 4. Free 1-year subscription to Youth Incorporated magazine 5. You will be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation 6. Youth Inc will award a gift hamper to those Youth Buddies who collect 100 achievement points

Interested? Apply now! Send us your profile that includes your picture, interests, goals and inspirations at mail@youthincmag.com

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_STUDENT SPEAK

only

ow do we know with a hundred per cent certainty that something is the truth? Mathematics, a field where conjectures are logically proved and disproved, leads to accurate and rational theorems. I moved from the peaceful and calm world of Bangkok to the busy and glamorous world of Mumbai when I was 14 years old. Though I used to visit this city every summer, living here was an entirely different experience. Reading has always been a favourite pastime of mine, whether the books were Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ or James Brown’s ‘The Philosophy of Mathematics’. Growing up as a younger child, whose older brother took more attention from both parents, it didn’t take me long to learn how to be self-reliant. I found an entirely new world in books. My avid enthusiasm for reading pushed me further into exploring mathematics to a whole new extent. Aditya, my elder brother, encouraged me to pursue my interest in mathematics. In spite of the fact that he was two years older than me, he never failed to involve me in all his activities, whether it was his homework or when it came to simply having fun. I was encouraged to take courses that were beyond the level required and so I took my IGCSE mathematics a whole year early. I also successfully participated in UKMT’s math challenges. My IB extended essay is an analysis of Fermat’s Last Theorem in which I explore various proofs that have been previously provided and

absolute truth The

Anushka Mehta talks about her passion for mathematics and how it continues to inspires her

delve deeper into understanding the reason why the theorem remained unproven for over 300 years until 1994. Many people asked if I would have remained in Bangkok if I had the

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choice instead of moving to Mumbai due to the fact that I attended a bigger school with over 2500 students. Though I certainly enjoyed my life there, my answer is a definite no. The experiences that both Mumbai city and my school have given me are irreplaceable, be it the delicious spicy roadside food or the academic challenges I was urged to take on. I had taken higher level mathematics in the International Baccalaureate and as mentioned above, my extended essay is also based on mathematics. I was also given the opportunity to take both AP Calculus exams though not a requirement at my school. All of these courses delve deeply into the subject and require me to think outside the box; to merge entirely into the problems thrown at me. Recently, I was presented with a conditional offer to study at the University of Oxford for Mathematics as well as an unconditional offer at Brown University. This was an achievement that marked a milestone in my life and represented the level of mathematics that I was capable of. It came from strong study and research in the subject that was further cultivated not only through my hard work but also through the ability to connect this knowledge to the mystery of our world. In university, not only do I intend on pursuing my passion for this rational area of study but also I fully intend on exploiting the opportunities that either college or university have to offer and taking advantage of all the new experiences that are available for my picking. Both would open a world of opportunities, one which I endeavor to thoroughly explore! Mathematics has infiltrated into every aspect of my life. No more was it a numerical and objective subject that was just taught in school. It became the reason behind the patterns that exist in our world but that most of us are usually ignorant about. For instance, shape of a snail was no more a random pattern but became a physical reality of the numbers in the Fibonacci sequence. Ian Stewarts in his book “Letter To

A graphical representation of the mathematic formula known as the Fibonacci Sequence

A Young Mathematician” said “Just as you can recognize a chair but can’t define one in a manner that permits no exceptions, you will find that you can recognize mathematics when you see it, but you still can’t define it”. The irony that mathematics cannot be easily defined but is present is most aspects of our lives appealed to me greatly as did the irony that this indefinable subject came down to definite proofs and ideas. The Pythagoras theorem became a passion three years ago when I read intensively on the mathematician himself and went in depth into the theorem. I began playing around with the numbers that are essential to the theory that initially started off as doodles on the sides of my notebooks,

and which later developed into proofs and related equations. I elaborated on my work until I reached equations that allowed me to take the theorem a step further. Mathematics has found a way to define this concept of infinity or eternal time. Something that itself means ‘endless’ or ‘elusive’ is used throughout various aspects of mathematics such as calculus. I enjoy learning how the world is justified through numbers that nearly everything is predetermined by mathematical probability. No one in this world knows everything; no one in this world is even close to knowing everything. Studying mathematics enables me to take one step closer to knowing an ‘absolute truth’. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 69

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_WISE UP

- By Niloufer Gandhi Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the highlighted word and complete the sentence.

1. accolade (ak-uh-leyd)

The actor received the prestigious _____ for his outstanding performance in the movie. (a. accusation b. award c. anecdote)

2. bystander (bahy-stan-der)

The driver of the speeding car lost control and injured an innocent _____. (a. spectator b. participant c. immigrant)

3. belligerent (buh-lij-er- uhnt)

The ____ attitude of the soldiers often got them in trouble with their seniors. (a. benign b. aggressive c. nonplussed)

4. unruly (uhn-roo-lee)

The demands of working with ____ children finally took a toll on the teacher’s health. (a. disorderly b. compliant c. empathetic)

5. contender (kuhn-tend-uhr)

Peter was a leading _____ for the triathlon, but a hamstring injury forced him to pull out. (a. competitor b. ally c. malingerer)

6. throng(thrawng)

An _____ of howling revelers stormed on the streets soon after the rock concert had ended. (a. eddy b. entourage c. assemblage)

7. consummate (kon-suh-meyt)

A ____ hostess, Linda spent hours assiduously planning the dinner party to celebrate her husband’s promotion. (a. pugnacious b. reticent c. perfect )

8. talisman (tal-is-muhn)

The much awaited Olympic games are finally here! For centuries, the Olympic games have been synonymous with the true spirit of sportsmanship that teaches us that just as in sports, it is not important to win but to take part, so also in life, it is not the triumph but the struggle that is important. Well, let’s start with a few basic words that you can use in your day-today conversation.

People from different cultures believe that carrying a _____ offers them protection and brings good fortune and good health. (a. charm b. notification c. record)

9. promulgate (prom-uhl-geyt)

The marketing team was on the lookout for teenagers who would _____ the company’s new soft drink. (a. conceal b. promote c. compromise)

10. emulous (em-yuh-luhs)

The _____ tennis player played fiercely in a bid to win the championship. (a. lackadaisical b. competitive c. irreverent)

Answers: 1. B 2. A 3. B 4. A 5. A 6. C 7. C 8. A 9. B 10. B 70 Youth Incorporated ║ JULY 2012

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entertain

A look at India's chances of increasing its medal count in the upcoming Olympics Page 96

Pg84 Pg85 Pg100 Pg104 RAIN WATER HARVESTING AN EFFECTIVE REMEDY TO CURE WATER SHORTAGE PROBLEMS

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HOW IMPORTANT IS THE WAY I DRESS? A REFRESHING POINT OF VIEW ON THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTER BEAUTY

MASALA BHANGRA SPICE UP YOUR WORKOUT WITH THIS NEW FORM OF DANCE EXERCISE

IOS VS ANDROID THE BATTLE BETWEEN APPLE AND THE GREEN BOT INTENSIFIES

20-06-2012 18:55:44

_ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

That's That's comical! comical! I

BILAL SIDDIQI DELVES DEEPER INTO THE AGEOLD DILEMMA OF READING THE GOOD OL’ COMIC OR GRAPHIC NOVEL OVER WATCHING ITS COUNTERPART ON SCREEN

remember travelling weekly, without fail, to the little bookstall a few kilometres away from home to get my hands on the latest copies of ‘The Amazing Spiderman’ and ‘X-Men’. These comic books comprised a large chunk of my childhood dreams and beliefs. Today, however, my passion for comics just doesn't add up to the craze that it once was. Most of us have grown up reading about the Belgian reporter Tintin or the shrewd Asterix and Obelix. These comics have been enjoyed through

generations and have even held their own against the rise of new-age superheroes. Today, however, they are politely being sidelined for other entertainment mediums that are fast emerging by the day. TECHNOLOGY PLAYING THE VILLAIN? The decline of the sale of hard copy comics and graphic novels can greatly be attributed to the advancement of technology. The youth of today would rather ‘see’ Batman use his gadgets up close and personal than read about

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him on what they feel are flat, lifeless pages. Most people prefer to watch a moving film with a structured plot that kindles all the viewer’s senses rather than reading a comic book, which tends ‘to be continued’ and no longer lends to the element of surprise, but rather, impatience. The astounding visuals and the peripheral elements of the movie are more of a crowd puller than the actual graphic novels. Further, digital versions of comic books are now easily available online. These digital versions are always

interactive and allow readers to hear a voice-over, allowing comics to reach their viewers through sight as well as sound. Comic books that ‘come alive’ are more in demand now. WHEN COMICS COME TO LIFE Marvel Comics has made a fortune over the years, particularly through their Spiderman and X-Men franchises. People who have seen 'The Dark Knight' may not fall back on JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 73

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BY ROHAN FERNANDES

BY NEHA BRACKSTONE

_ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

Comic collector Aalok Joshi

Leaping Windows cafe, Mumbai

the comic series anymore. Roping in known celebrities like Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Robert Downey Jr (Iron Man) and Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow) increases the appeal of the movie, drawing in tremendous public approval. Aalok Joshi, with a collection of over 10,000 graphic novels so far, believes that there isn't much of a difference between comics and movies. “A film has live action scenes played in succession on screen, while a comic has panels with images. There’s not much of a difference except that with a comic, you control the speed of intake of material versus watching

movies in a theatre. The movies make moviegoers want to read comic books. I guess it works the other way around too, people reading comics will be inspired to go and catch the movies that are based on them.” THE POSITION OF GRAPHIC NOVELS TODAY So, the debate arises, are comic books actually on their way out for good? Or are there really people out there who would kill to lay their hands on a physical copy of a graphic novel?’ For Ankit Miglani who is an avid collector of graphic novels, the experience of reading a graphic novel

is irreplaceable. “The underlying layers of characters really come through the same way as they would when one reads a novel. Besides, most of the graphic novels today apply a lot of the scientific laws of physics. So it’s very realistic because they stick to these principles. I still buy hard copies. Compared to the movie experience, I still prefer the feel of flipping through the pages of a comic book,” says Miglani. Joshi says that though he prefers his comics as physical, tangible paper, digital issues cater to those people who are comfortable with reading on a device, while paper is still there to cater to the rest. Miglani, who tries to make it a point to add to his collection during his travels says, “I feel that the structure of graphic novel collections will change in the near future. That’s because even at this point in time, comics are digitised and are easily accessible on tablets, phones or laptops. People even buy CDs of graphic novels nowadays. It has become much easier to store and preserve them this way.”

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BY MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

“My interest in comics began as soon as I could read” says Miglani who can't pinpoint his favourite genre to date. He says, “Graphic novels reflect a wide spectrum of moods that range from the comedy to the super hero genre and beyond. So choosing what to read all really depends on my mood.” AND IN INDIA? Many of us still remember the famous ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ series or the ‘Tinkle’ comics that we grew up with as children. The late Anant Pai, creator of our childhood friends Tantri the Mantri, Shikari Shambu or Kapish the monkey, can take a large slice of the cake with regards to the position of comics in India today. Beginning in 1967, Pai began a long and successful career, first spawning the ACK series in Kannada and then in English and

soon after, giving birth to the Tinkle series. To cater to the needs of comic lovers, comic conventions are held in different parts of the world. To the members of the Indian Comic Con, comics aren’t just entertainment; they are almost a way of life. Diehard comic fans are dedicated to the promotion of comics of the graphic art medium as well as supporting aspiring artists, illustrators and writers in the medium. Having already held their first annual comic convention in 2011, the 2nd one is already going full swing with The Comic Con Express expected to take place in Bengaluru on September 8th and 9th this year, and the Mumbai Film & Comics Convention taking place on October 20, 2012. In Mumbai, the Leaping Windows cafe, besides being a café, is also a

library purely meant for comics and graphic novels. “There is no exclusive library for comics or manga in India. By starting Leaping Windows, I hope to cater to comic lovers who can relax and read these comics at the same time,” says Utsa Shome, one of the founders of Leaping Windows. “I’m completely in favour of comics being converted into films because it is a re-telling of its story. It provides an impetus towards reading of the comics themselves.” Ghatkhopar too has its own Heroes Cafe, a superhero theme-based restaurant. Superheroes have been hand painted across the walls and each table is named and designed after a superhero. There’s a Superman table that is red and blue in colour with yellow pillows. Fans of Spiderman, the Hulk and Batwoman will also find their respective places here. Another trend in India is launching a comic book parallel to the Bollywood movie. Shah Rukh Khan used this strategy well by creating a graphic novel of his 'Ra.One'. Saif Ali Khan has also launched a comic book of his movie 'Agent Vinod'. However, these launches are more of a publicity tool rather than an attempt to recreate the magic of a comic. "Out of respect for graphic novels, I didn’t want it to just be a marketing tool the way most Bollywood productions look at comics, but a medium that would add a new dimension to the movie,” writes Saif Ali Khan in his foreword to The Jungfrau Encounter, the graphic novel based on his 'Agent Vinod'." It is riveting and entertaining, and is the perfect crossbreed between the overthe-top Bollywood hero and the suave James Bond. In India, Liquid Comics in collaboration with Graphic India tells stories through graphic novels to engage global audiences. They also launched their content over digital platforms such as the iPad and Sony eReader. Finally, superheroes need to pull their socks up if they are to inevitably face being outsmarted by technology, the new villains of the day. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 75

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MEDIA EMPIRE

JAINAM CHIRAG SHAH LOOKS AT THE POSITIVE SIDE OF THE MEDIA IN TODAY’S FAST-PACED AND HIGHLY TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD

he world has become smaller than ever. This ‘connected’ sense of things is largely due to the development of communication methods. The march into the digital millennium was definitely faster than the transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. Improved methods of communication have the unique distinction of contributing so much to the development of society that no other sphere of human activity can boast of. Technology is facilitating the great leap forward so much so that what was relevant at one point of time, holds no importance even a few days away. The media, particularly the television and the Internet, have gone through vast technological advancements on a worldwide scale.

Created for mass entertainment between the 19th and 20th century, the television has well served this purpose. But along with that, it has also helped in many other ways. At the base of it all, the television has helped create employment. Since 1993, the television industry has helped create numerous jobs that range from cable TV operators and production to management of television channels. Since the arrival of satellite television, the chunk of the population that owns television sets in India has doubled, thereby serving as an engine of growth for TV manufacturers too. Today, the television industry is worth `20,000 crore and this is only going to rise. It has had a cumulative effect on our economy of over `50,000 crore per annum! The economy aside, the media

as portrayed on television helps to channel interesting information via educational channels and the like. More news channels are coming up by the day, offering different perspectives on various issues faced by the country. The Internet is yet another medium of communication, which is the most sophisticated medium that has been developed by far. It has in its own way broken down hurdles from those related to entrepreneurship and has dismantled entry barriers to publishing. One of the best features of the Internet has got to be the rise of social media marketing as a complementary channel to marketing of goods and services. Social network sites like Facebook and Twitter are being used by just about everyone these days, from individuals to companies as big as Vodafone. It's amazing how a product becomes famous overnight just by exposing it on such a medium. Social media marketing is a very complicated method and only skilled professionals can use its boons efficiently. However, it has been playing a vital role in promotion, advertisement and other aspects of business today. The Internet is also a great source of information for anyone and everyone to access. If you are looking to find out more about any subject, all one has to do is key in the topic in a search engine and pat comes the answer! The Internet also serves as a wide platform for different causes. Now, one is able to get his/her message across to people all over the world using dedicated sites and social media networks too. The role of media has significantly and undoubtedly evolved over the years. From being an informer and entertainer to building the foundation of attitude and culture, it has played a large role in shaping the human mind and has become a driving force of the way we live in. yi

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_RELATIONSHIPS

Dealing with a IS THERE A PERSON WHO COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU READ THIS TITLE? RAZI SHAIKH GIVES YOU THE LOWDOWN ON DEALING WITH YOUR CRUSH Okay, so there is that one cute guy or girl who has been haunting your existence. A person who has as good as encroached upon your life; someone who you can’t stop thinking about for the better part of your conscious state. Butterflies in the stomach, a racing heartbeat, sweat accumulating. The mere sight of that person makes you feel like you are in a different world altogether. These, my friends are the sure shot signs of having a crush on someone. Blush, blush, blush! If you are one of the many (actually all) who happen to be experiencing a crush right now, worry not, help is here. If sniggering friends and the thought of risking a hardearned reputation isn’t enough, there’s that perennial question hanging in the air: Should I or should I not? “Dealing with one’s crush can be a highly awkward moment! For a guy, it’s easier to tackle a bull by the horns than to deal with his crush. Meanwhile, to ask or not still remains the question!” says Pranav Kamat. Having a crush can perhaps be the most painful, yet beautiful thing. Living in a well-foamed bubble, smiling randomly and coming across as someone seriously afflicted, it won’t be too long before you feel that you either need to face your crush or the rest of the world. Such times call for urgent measures. You may get your crush and we sincerely hope so. But till then, retain your sanity. Thinking about your crush all day long can seriously damage your daily life. Try and immerse yourself in something productive such as exercise, socialising with friends, completing your daily jobs while indulging in those daydreams. Even better, try your luck with your crush! Here’s how you can do just that!

Be Yourself

This one is self explanatory. When your crush approaches, losing control of your mind and mouth at the same instance is perfectly normal but it doesn’t get you any favours with your crush. Instead, 78

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try acting as normal as possible. “Just behave normally like you do with your friends. Don’t put on an air; if the person likes you then it will be for your natural charm and not for your alter ego. Try sending some subtle signs and check back for any response. If he or she reciprocates, go for it. Otherwise, back off!” says Archita Mitra, a class 12 student.

Find out about your crush

Now, this doesn’t imply stalking your crush by any means. Instead, try finding about his/ her interests, likes, dislikes and whether you both match. If you are on speaking terms with her friends, that’s a plus point. Casually enquire about her. Check whether your crush is single (that’s elementary!). Gradually, confide in your feelings to one of your mutual friends. That can really help you deal with the situation.

Will you make 'the perfect couple'?

You are smitten by that girl who seemed to have walked right through the gates of heaven. Or it’s that Greek god who has everything on your ‘prince charming checklist’. Introspect a bit and think. Be frank with yourself. Is it just a fantasy that you are taking too far? If there’s nothing that you share in common with your crush, then keep the crush a crush. Just like the ones we have on celebrities, a crush doesn’t always need to materialise into a relationship. If you see a possibility, then the time’s right. Proceed to the next level!

Keep your friends circle intact

Speaking of friends, there’s no reason you ignore your friends in an attempt to woo your crush. According to Apoorva Nanjangud, a student pursuing her SYBMM, “I mostly avoid telling my friends about my crush. They make you so conscious in front of him! But I make sure that I don’t dump them either. I prefer my friends over my crush.” Keep trying your luck with your crush but at the same time, keep your social life intact. They are going to help you deal with your crush and whatever happens later, they are going to be there for you. Give them the respect and time they deserve.

Talking to your crush

You don’t need to be an orator to get this right. Prepare for it. The person who has stolen your heart is the one you want. For any relationship, you must talk to make things work. Recounting her experience, 18-year-old Ashita Adsare says, “Dealing with a crush is fun but can get tricky sometimes! When we think of saying something smart to get his or her attention, we can instead end up saying something really stupid! A crush is an inevitable part of life. Deal with it, but in a smart way!” Look for any common interests. If you don’t know your crush well, talk to her group of friends loud enough for her to join in. That way, you can at least start a conversation about something. Start small and build on it.

Get those signals right

Now that you have reached the talking stage with your crush, give yourself a pat on the back and move on to the next task. Get to know whether your crush is interested in you or not. You keep bumping into each other, the compliments find a way back to you, the eye signals; these signs can really tell you which way the wind is blowing. If you are not getting favourable signs, persist a while before taking the final plunge.

Say it!

“Girls live with a mindset of ‘I will wait till he asks me out.’ It doesn’t always happen that way!” says 18-year-old Ishiyeta Saxena. “It’s not a compulsion for guys to be expressing themselves first! When you like someone, you are supposed to do something about it.” Admit it. Your crush has crept into your life like colours on a canvas. All throughout the ‘crush’ period, you keep making up scenes in your mind, in which you hope all will be happy and alright in the end. So give it a shot. Push for the final step. Find some time alone with your crush and speak your heart as sincerely as you can. And if you’re really apprehensive to say it out aloud, just say ‘I like you’. Dealing with it may seem difficult but it’s possibly the best thing ever. You struggle, learn and end up with a nice stack of memories. At office, in college and during school hours, a crush is inevitable. And so is dealing with it. With cupid’s blessings, make the best out of your experience! yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 79

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_YOUTH ISSUES

East Vs West NISARG KAMDAR LOOKS AT HOW YOUTH ARE AFFECTED BY WESTERN CULTURE

andhiji was once asked rather innocently by a Western reporter on what he made of the culture of the West. He replied with uncharacteristic wit and levity, “It would be a good idea.” As the cosmopolitan youth of India drift towards the attributes and idiosyncrasies of Western culture, these sarcasm-laced words are vividly drawn to the mind. Are we indeed progressing towards a more evolved, refined and sophisticated culture or have we set ourselves on the irreversible journey of self-destruction? Before I attempt to critically analyse this metamorphosis, let me introduce a disclaimer. I am not a fanatic nationalist, nor do I yearn for a return to ‘the glory days of the old’. Sati and marital rape are two contentions a national debate on the polarities of the world finds itself stuck in. There exists veritable proof of the vicious aforementioned activities flourishing untrammelled in the heart of India. I find the concept of a globalised nation enticing and remain taken up by the allure of a just society rather than one undermined by the weak foundations of blind faith.

WHERE THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER An inherent inferiority complex is an epithet apt for the Indian mentality. From all-pervasive colour, class and caste racism to the fascination with Caucasian-looking skin, Indian society seems to have a perennial chipon-the-shoulder dilemma. From this derives the rotten myth, sadly more pervasive among the (semi-) educated classes, that anything with the stamp of Western approval transcends any superior indigenous examples of ingenuity. While part of this comes from the urge of the elites to delineate themselves from the proletariats, who are limited to local produce by their scarce resources, another factor is also the manufactured deprecation and assumed inferiority of homegrown products. Vrushali Ambedkar, a first-year engineering student at DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering, contends that, “Indian culture has evolved over time. It’s unfortunate that people deliberately highlight the negative points to pull down a sound and civil culture. This is the proverbial ‘the grass is greener on the other side’ syndrome.” At times, it takes Western

approval for us to respect our own roots! MODERN DAY INFLUENCES Present circumstances, especially with economic liberalisation and the subsequent staggering growth, has certainly given Western culture its fair share of thrust. Western brands are a coveted treasure and have become household names in skyscraper dwellers and slums alike. The certain allure attached to them as objects of desire has captured a huge section of the middle class. The peculiar aspect to note here is how elites drop brands if they move out of the bracket of exclusivity. Maybe this Western infatuation can be attributed to maintaining and fortifying social status by seeking to facilitate feelings of mystery and enigma, rather than any particular prejudice. The lack of signature status has certainly made a dent in local handicraft and fabric businesses. But institutions have collectively worked to undermine and destabilise indigenous supremacy. Take the case of the traditional Indian beverage of a lassi, chaas or thandai being phased out

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for the highly nutritious local cola. This, in spite of the knowledge that Indian beverages like aam panna, jal jeera, thandai, lassi, chhanch or nimbu paani are prepared to beat the heat of the sultry Indian summer, and chai as well as the popular filter coffee to provide warmth during winters. But in our inexplicable concupiscence to imitate Western buffoons we have dismissed them as crass, asinine and inelegant, forsaking them for the pesticideinfested soft drinks. The irony? Today, you have the average urban resident shelling out an exorbitant sum for a packaged bottle of that very ‘shoddy’ beverage packaged by the same cola maker, when he could consume the same for a pittance in the warm and gracious ensconce of his living room. Donkey’s have more common sense! Another pertinent example is the running shoes gimmick. The Western barons made a fortune out of tricking the fitness freak clique into purchasing shoes at prices, which can mildly be described as extravagant. Then arrived the bummer. A front page story on a popular daily carried a report on the various health and fitness benefits of running bare foot rather than cuddled in those cretinous shoes, something long propagated by blaring clarions of our homeland. The benefits of running unshod, especially on sand, are well researched and documented. But why bother until a Western study with the stamp of some fancy university shines some light on the claptrap sitting in your very backyard? The pages might dry down; the examples could fill a bottomless barrel. Plonkers like me will cry themselves hoarse, oceans of ink will be spent breast beating but what remains is the study by that suave college down by the Thames. As Abhishek Karandikar so lucidly puts it, “As for them being more civilised with regards to rigidly following civic rules, yes they lead by example. But the hypocrites that they are, can't they follow the shining example of social behaviour they strive to enforce. Just to put things into

perspective, how many times has the peace-loving Western world destroyed the homes of innocent people under the garb of peace keeping? They value freedom but unite to deprive other states of their sovereignty. This is not to say that the Eastern world is tolerant. But if your actions, words and thoughts are not exactly in sync, it is a sure-shot sign of complete lack of civility.” THE SITCOM ANGLE Western sitcom broadcasts have become all the rage these days, what with many fanatical clubs springing up and the ‘wholesome’ entertainment they offer. Couple that with the morally disgusting Indian soap debacles and you have a potent cultural upswing here. Or is it? While many hold Western broadcasts as superior programming

out on these attributes. The sense of independence, which often borders on selfishness, is a trend that has travelled from the Western world into our borders. Despite living in a materialistic world with an enviable quality of life, many Westerners are running eastward to find meaning and peace in their fast-paced lives. They crave spiritual knowledge, appreciate Indian meditation techniques and the wisdom of our practices. Are we heading in the same direction towards a problem despite being blessed with its solution? THE FINAL DAWN Abhishek weighs in again: “Civilisation is also about the extent of one's development as a person. Many in the Eastern world can easily adapt to their languages and values. Civilisation is not a set code of

Westerners are trying to ape our lifestyle and we are living theirs. They are in love with yoga, ayurveda, Indian classical music and we, with Gucci, Armani and even Kim Kardashian, for that matter! with higher production values thus culminating in enhanced entertainment, they may argue that it’s a forum for a subliminal cultural push. While they certainly free and unclutter thought, bereft of parochial considerations, something which we would do well to emulate, they have also sought to stand for excessive drinking, gambling, licentious and promiscuous behaviour- characteristics which get labelled as vices in civil societies. WHERE EAST BEATS WEST We may litter our roads, pay bribes and honk incessantly. But these examples cannot qualify as proof of being ‘uncultured’. It's not these attributes that define us, instead it is our values, our commitment to nonviolence and respect for freedom that highlight our culture. In the process of aping the West, let us hope not to lose

conduct with competitions between others. It's the assimilation of good values that allow mankind to progress without compromising on morals and conscience.” Siddarth Chandrasekaran attempts to straddle the fence saying,“Everyone wants change now. Westerners are trying to ape our lifestyles and we are living theirs. They love yoga, ayurveda, Indian classical music and we, Gucci, Armani and Kim Kardashian for that matter!” Does this indulgence in a never ending eulogy of Indian cultural values masquerade the severe lack of morality felt in all spheres of life among those fanatically embedded in the very fabric that constitutes the widely paraded value system? Do we have the objectivity of selecting what qualities are worth adopting? Or will we be trapped in a cultural web and in the process lose our identity and weaken our roots? The jury’s still out. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 81

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_TRAVEL

BORN

RAZI SHAIKH EXPLORES SOME FUN ACTIVITIES IF YOU’VE GOT WANDERLUST AND ADVENTURE RUNNING THROUGH YOUR VEINS

EXPLORE `3,50rd0s onwa

`9,50rd0s

ADVENTURE START

onwa

SCUBA DIVING

f you are crazy about underwater sports and love exploring marine life, try scuba diving. India, with its vast coastline and scenic beaches offers many spots for underwater enthusiasts. This sport is gaining popularity, thanks to the many diving schools that offer scuba diving, snorkelling and underwater photography. You get to explore marine life in all its beauty and swim with a herd of Manta Rays and see Barracudas, Butterfish, Sea Cucumbers, coral, turtles and Bottlenose dolphins up, close and personal! For the sake of precaution, you are bundled along with a substantial amount of gear. You’ll also need to train before you actually go scuba diving. Snorkelling is an alternative to scuba diving since it is easier, requiring less equipment and training. However, if you wish to enjoy the fascinating underwater life for a longer period, you will need to go through the rigours of scuba diving!

HOTSPOTS

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Goa, Netrani Island (Karnataka) and Angria Bank (off the coast of Maharashtra) are the places to head out for scuba diving.

PARAGLIDING

ancy making the sky your playground? Then strap yourself to a harness, foot launch your glider aircraft and after running along the ground, you’ll be off into the skies! Man has forever been enchanted with the skies and yearned to fly high above the ground. Thanks to adventure sports such as paragliding, this wish can be satisfied. If you love the skies, jump aboard! If the thought of heights scares you, the best thing to do is paraglide. No kidding! You'll have the time of your life and by the end of it, your fear will be left in the skies. It's a sport that is well worth your time and effort. Once you get the hang of the basics- launching, turning and landing you'll be set to hit the skies! Of course, during your training period, you will fly tandem with an instructor. But after training, you will be able to take in the beautiful bird’s eye view of the mountains, hills and lakes all by yourself!

HOTSPOTS

Check out Kamshet near Lonavla (Maharashtra), Billing in Himachal Pradesh, Solang near Manali (Himachal Pradesh) as well as Jaisalmer and Jaipur in Rajasthan.

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S `2,50rd0s onwa

WATER SKIIN G

kiing on water? Yes, you read that right. A relatively new sport in India, water skiing is different from snow skiing in the sense that instead of gliding on snow, you’ll be skimming on water. It’s a lot like surfing, except that your hands aren’t free and unlike surfing, it can be done in lakes too. This water sport is tough, so you will need to brush up on your basics. Needless to say, you need to know swimming just in case you want to free your hands from the tow-rope attached to the boat. As a beginner, balancing the whole act may give you pangs of anxiety and a bit of sea sickness, but once you get the hang of it, it will be a piece of cake. The best method is to first try it on a dry land, besides getting thorough with the balancing act on water.

HOTSPOTS

Dal, Nagin and Manasbal Lake (Kashmir), Goa and the Andaman and Nicobar islands are perfect for this sport.

f you are fit with health on your side and have a penchant for adventure, try your hands at hiking. It’s one of the easier sports out there and gives you plenty of recreation as well. Hiking is pure joy to someone who loves walking as it allows one to enjoy in the lap of nature as well as to explore the scenic terrains. Before embarking on a hiking trail, you will need comfortable clothing, a trustworthy pair of shoes, a trail map and compass, should you ever get separated from your group. Of course, getting lost in the mountains can be a different adventure altogether, but that’s only the case if you want it! Otherwise, hang by your group and stay on the trail!

HIKING

Free!

HOTSPOTS

Kullu and Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh), Darjeeling, the Doon valley, Leh-Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir), the Western Ghats and the Nilgiri hills in particular are ideal spots to go hiking in India.

CAMPING

Free!

stress-filled city life demands a break! There's no better way to do this than to escape from the city chaos and spend some quality time in the midst of nature. Camping is perhaps the most versatile activity out there since there are no rigid rules as such. It’s just you, your group, nature and tons of fun! Light a bonfire, enjoy an all-night party in the middle of a forest and enjoy fishing and bird watching during the day. It’s the best way to unwind after a long week or when time’s short and you still want to enjoy a getaway from the urban, concrete jungle. When the body needs a break and the mind is in a state of disarray, you can either allow it to pile up or you can treat yourself. So pack your bags and head out into the wilderness now!

HOTSPOTS

Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal), Kaudiyal (Uttaranchal), Mussoorie (Uttaranchal), the Kerala backwaters and Samode Bagh offer pristine camping spots. JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 83

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_ECOWATCH

RAINWATER

HARVESTING AS TAPS RUN DRY ACROSS THE COUNTRY, SAHIL SHAH AND ADITYA MEHTA TELL US HOW RAINWATER HARVESTING CAN WASH AWAY YOUR WATER SHORTAGE WOES!

astage and shortage go hand in hand. Today, our excessive and unrestrained wastage of water has acute ramifications, which are indeed alarming. Water shortage is becoming a part and parcel of our life today. This is also due to the population explosion and the use of water for industrial purposes, due to which, the existing water resources cannot satisfy the needs of the public. As ecologists fret, and with good reason, over this grave issue, rainwater harvesting could save us from the impending water crisis.

CASE STUDIES

BPCL HOUSING SOCIETY, NOIDA This housing society is one of the many that has recently benefitted from rainwater harvesting. Their project utilises approximately 85 per cent of the total runoff, ie 44,50,000 litres and the entire investment amounts to `4.5 lakh. The rainwater collected from the rooftops as well as from the ground is diverted into recharge wells where it is passed through filters. This water is then used for the varied needs of the residents of the society. SHRI RAM HIGH SCHOOL This school definitely practices what it preaches. It not only teaches its students how to safeguard the environment, but it has also implemented a rainwater harvesting

system. The rooftop rainwater is harvested and then stored in a tank after filtration. The system was implemented in May 2000 and has collected a total of 18,90,000 litres of rainwater, costing a total of `1.25 lakh.

TIHAR JAIL, NEW DELHI Tihar Jail is a very unique jail since it implements the use of a rainwater harvesting system. The rooftop rainwater from the buildings and the surface runoff from the open areas of the jail is collected in a storage tank. This system collects about 12,80,000 litres of rainwater. The total cost incurred is as minimal as `20,000.

A rainwater harvesting unit School children cleaning the interiors of rainwater harvesting tanks

SHRI AUROBINDO ASHRAM, NEW DELHI In this campus, the rainwater from various catchments, including the rooftop and surface runoff from open areas is harvested. The harvesting is done over a large area including various structures that are a part of the ashram like Mirambika school, Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International School, Tapasya building and the office block too. The total water harvested is 163,65,879 litres and the cost of the system is `4 lakh due to the & Dispatch buildings, the Newly Constructed Gears & Shaft section large area over which the mechanism and the New Aluminum Phase is exists. collected and stored in recharge wells HERO MOTOCORP constructed at different locations in The rooftop rainwater from the the factory premises after filtration. administrative building, the New Time Totally, around 54,41,720 litres of office, the dispensary, the canteen, rainwater has been harvested at a total the R&D centre and the Export cost of `12 lakhs. yi

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20-06-2012 19:02:42

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE WAY I DRESS?

_FASHION FEATURE

PRIYANKA BANERJEE ASKS IF THE OVERPOWERING EMPHASIS ON INNER BEAUTY HAS DILUTED THE IMPORTANCE OF DRESSING WELL AMONGST US- THE YOUTH

common misconception lurks amongst the youth today: To care about how I look is to be ‘shallow’ or ‘unnecessarily indulgent’. A lot of us today have begun to feel alright with our unkempt hair, jeans in need of ironing, flip-flops worn out with the continuous effort to get us to our respective destinations as we drag our feet and sip on caffeine kickers like colas and coffee. When asked about this nowcommon culture by their cultureshocked parents, a common response is, “I don’t care, it’s not important.” The ‘I don’t care’ crowd is populated

with a rather dominant species and I like to call them– The Baggies. Walk across a college campus and you are sure to find at least ten per hundred metres. The average baggy boy prefers attending college in a football club jersey that looks like it has been washed a gazillion times teamed with hideously checked shorts (on good days). On other days, he allows us to get a sneak peek of his boxer brand as his deliberately purchased, loose jeans insist on sliding to his knees. The average baggy girl on the other hand, is most often an intellectual tomboy, spotted with wild hair that helps her feel ‘free’ and wears a tablecloth for a t-shirt. She sports regular jeans that don’t even have to be touched let alone pulled, allowing her to walk fast and free with no worldly bounds to block her expeditions. Baggies are usually people who take themselves too seriously, or worse, don’t take themselves seriously at all. A lot of us believe that to reach a certain level of intellect or to provoke an interest in scholarly activities, we must lose interest in being fashionable, or even presentable. Here’s an unfortunate reality for most of you: the world does not have the time or the inclination to know the ‘real you’ or your ‘inner beauty’. Your submission to the top university or

your dream job almost entirely relies on that first impression and how well you carry yourself. Dr Sujaya Banerjee, chief learning officer of the Essar Group, shares her experience recruiting people as she states, “A first impression, in terms of grooming and appearance, plays a vital role in assessing a potential candidate. The non-verbal signals that a candidate’s grooming radiates, shows that the candidate wants to present the best of what they have and this certainly creates a halo effect on those assessing him or her. However, this well-groomed candidate must be backed with competence so as to avoid a classic case of style without substance.” Today’s youth, unfortunately, feel compelled to choose between style and substance. It is a tough choice, perhaps because it is not supposed to be made. Success inevitably follows people who have achieved a balance between the two. These people deal with pressures, insecurities and the continuous assessment of their competency, but not once do they have the option of slipping into a pair of baggy shorts and slouching their way to the answers. Dressing well provides a certain dignity to every task you perform and makes it feel important. After all, every day at school, college or work is an event that tests your best. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 85

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_FOCUS EVENTS

GRADUATING

Kunal Khemu

Arpita Khan

IN STYLE!

MOD’ART INDIA’S GRADUATING STUDENT DESIGNERS SHOWCASED THEIR COLLECTION AT A GLAMOROUS FASHION SHOW

od’art India, a subsidiary of Mod’art Paris, the famous Parisian fashion school, hosted a fashion show for the institute’s third-year graduating students. These talented student designers set the ramp afire with their sizzling and innovative collections. The ultra-glam event was hosted by

Nishant Joshi, CMD, Mod’art India who said that he was extremely proud of the graduating students. The event was attended by a number of key entities from the fashion industry such as chic designer Gavin Miguel, the dusky Carol Gracias and the demure Gauhar Khan. The who’s who of the entertainment industry also cheered the aspiring designers on Gauhar Khan

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Nishant Joshi & Patrice De Place Aditi & Ishq Bector

and included hospitality and entertainment entrepreneur Suved Lohia, actors Kunal Khemu and Arpita Khan, as well as director Prashant Chadda. The fashion show was well choreographed by Shamita Singha who put together a delightful showcase of sorts. The ramp was lit up by top models such as Candice Pinto, Mashoom Singha, Soni Kaur, Hemangi Parte and Asif Azim. Besides, the Mod’art India students were seen cheering their fellow batchmates along. The event showcased the graduating students’ collections that were put together over eight long months. Vatika Gupta’s collection was inspired by a Japanese manga called Othello and featured a black and white line of attire, depicting a tale of a woman living with nine, varied personalities ranging from an artist and courtesan to a businesswoman. Amanjot Bajwa’s autumn-winter collection reflects the girl who represents strength, independence and individuality and certainly did live up to this theme with an equally unique line. One could see the use of darts, pleats and tucks in this very wearable and detailed collection. Devki Advanii’s collection called ‘Smokes n Melts’ features welltailored garments and effortless drapes. Her interest in fashion started at the young age of 13 when she started appreciating silhouettes and fabrics, and began designing for friends and family. Drapes and welltailored garments stood out in this collection. The Mod’art India graduating fashion show certainly turned out to be an evening of elegance for all in attendance. yi Mashoom Singha, Shamita Singha, Gavin Miguel, Carol Gracias

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Delicious Designs

Rish Oberoi, owner of Paani Puri Clothing, reveals the bizarre story behind this equally bizarre sounding clothing brand.

hree years ago, investment banker Rish Oberoi left the United States and moved to India with no intention of starting a clothing brand. But that is exactly what he did when a random thought motivated Rish to start Paani Puri Clothing (PPC). With humorous and funky designs, PPC currently specialises in t-shirts and bags, but they will soon expand their collection to include many other exciting products. Rish Oberoi tells us more about this quirky brand. Paani Puri is a unique name for a clothing brand. What's the story behind this name? All this kind of happened with out a plan. To be honest, I was watching The Dark Knight and when I saw the Joker walking out of the hospital (which he had just exploded), it struck me that he would look pretty awesome eating Paani Puri. Indian stars eating American food is a common sight, but we've never really seen someone like Brad Pitt eat biryani or George Clooney enjoy a jalebi. So I thought the visual of Western characters eating desi foods would be awesome! That’s how Paani Puri Clothing came into existance.

And finally, they fit into a different bracket of awesome because they support the stupidity and madness behind this brand.

Where do you find the inspiration for these creative t-shirt designs? I have grown up around amazing artists such as DJs, Bollywood actors, hip-hop artists, etc. I learnt two important things from them: freedom of thought and creating things using what is available around you. At PPC, everything is created with a completely open mind but the ideas come from things around us. For example, one of our designs 'I Spilt a Guitar' was conceptualised when we saw the amazing shapes made by a spilt glass of water! How would you describe someone who sports a Paani Puri t-shirt? Someone who wears a Paani Puri t-shirt is intelligent. They understand and appreciate the wittiness behind each design. Secondly, he or she is a great shopper since our fits, fabric and print quality is what we are known for.

Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs who would like to start their own clothing brand? Clothing isn't just about making a design, slapping it on a cloth and selling it. A clothing brand requires a lot of detailed work; you have to be 100 per cent confident that this product is going to work before you release it because otherwise you are throwing yourself under a bus. And that’s not fun. Which celebrity would you like to see wearing a Paani Puri t-shirt? We made a design called 'I Love My Music', which I would want my favourite hip-hop artist Lil Wayne to wear because he really loves the LA Lakers basketball team. Besides, the t-shirt has a purple base and yellow typography, which matches the colours of the team. Also, because he has the admirable quality of listening only to his own music to help better his art. yi

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Return of the

_FASHION FEATURE

Peplums have made a dramatic comeback this season and are heating up runways across the world. This popular fashion trend will definitely increase your style quotient!

Peplum! P Alexander McQueen

Dorothy Perkins

eplum, which means ‘tunic’ is Greek, has a different definition in the fashion world, where it is defined as a short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse or dress. This trend first gained popularity in the '40s but at the time was limited to jackets only. In 2012, peplums have made a comeback, and with great style! Celebrities like Kate Middleton, Charlize Theron, Aishwarya Rai and Sonam Kapoor have been spotted wearing innovative versions of the peplum at various events. So while peplum dresses are travelling to wardrobes across the world, make sure yours is not left behind. The best part about this trend is that you can transform your clothes into couture peplum outfits, all by yourself! You just need to stitch an overskirt to your dress, top, jacket or shorts to achieve this international look.

Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Perkins Topshop

SOME TIPS FOR WEARING PEPLUM:

Dorothy Perkins

•• If you are attaching a peplum to a skirt, a pencil skirt is preferable. Too much volume around the hips can make you look bulky. Also make sure you wear a body hugging top along with the skirt. This way the peplum will add the right amount of flair to your attire. •• You can attach a peplum to skinny jeans or jeggings for a casual, feminine look. •• Use the peplum overskirt to your advantage- it can help you camouflage your hips or accentuate them, depending on how you wear it. So be creative and play around with peplum! Dorothy Perkins

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DIY...

This floral hair band will definitely make heads turn! Follow these easy steps and transform your simple hair band into a funky hair accessory. SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED •• A hair band •• Ribbon rosettes •• Needle and thread •• Scissors •• Stone sequins The Hab Store in Bandra provides all the mentioned supplies along with many other options. Step 1: Cut out two ribbon rosettes from the spool. If you would like to create a hair band with more flowers, you can use more ribbon rosettes.

Step 2: Take one ribbon rosette and stitch a stone sequin onto its centre. Repeat the same with the second ribbon rosette.

Step 3: Pass the needle and thread along the back of the two ribbon rosettes. Pull the thread so that the two ribbon rosettes cluster together. Do not stitch the ribbon rosettes tightly as they still have to be attached to the hair band.

Step 4: Now attach the ribbon rosettes to the hair band. While attaching the rosettes, ensure that the flowers face outwards. Once you have the flowers in the desired angle, stitch the flowers tightly together. When the flowers are stitched on the band you can slightly adjust their position to your liking.

Step 5: Voila! Your new flower-power hair band is ready to be worn. Whether you’re wearing a dress or jeans and a t-shirt, this hair band will definitely add a feminine appeal to your attire!

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Monsoon must haves The rainy season is here. But you still got to look your best! Worry no more about make-up dripping off your skin as the rain drops fall upon your face. Here is our monsoon must-have make-up kit to live it up this season. Experiment with funky colours and truly standout amongst the rest.

Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel `667

Celeb

Secrets

Sephora Jumbo Liner 12HR `665

Ramona Arena is an actor, model, singer and ex-MTV VJ. She recently released a single called ‘Wanna Be Your Only Love’.

Sonia Kashuk Liquid Blush `556

Skin care regime

I don’t have a fixed regime as such. There are days when I don't use any creams or face wash too! I just make sure to remove my make-up before sleeping.

Josie Maran Magic Marker lip stain `1,163

Magic make-up trick

Applying mascara before putting on eyeliner helps you apply the eyeliner evenly.

Maybelline Volume Express Turbo Boost Waterproof Mascara `500

Makeup For Ever Sens'eyes Eye Cleanser `776 Makeup For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick `1,052

Revlon Photo 3-in-1 Makeup `935

5 cosmetic products in your travel kit

Cetaphil as it doubles up as a makeup remover and face wash, mascara, concealer, tweezers and a nail file.

Favourite fragrance

Dolce & Gabbana - Light Blue

Make-up brand

Bobby Brown

Beauty faux-pas Smashbox Limitless Liner `840

Using very dark tones of lipstick when you don't have the personality, right outfit and/or proper eye make-up to balance it out. JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 91

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Model

ey guys! This is a new platform for models and actors and for those who have always wanted a break in the glam world. Send your portfolio pictures to us and if you are selected by our team, we will send your images to leading production houses in the country.

BY DEBANJAN DA

watch

Interests: ovies, in Watch g mpping o da ncing, sh elling a nd trav

Isita Mandal

Model and actress Sruti Banerjee

Freelance actor and model i ng , s: Da nc Interestng a nd only da nci da ncing!

Interests: Acting, singing and da ncing

Taher Cu t 92 Youth Incorporated â&#x2022;&#x2018; JULY 2012

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Send your images to mail@youthincmag.com No phone calls will be entertained. Disclaimer: Youth Inc is only a platform to share your pictures. Youth Inc will not be responsible for any decisions made by you or any sort of contract signed between you and the production house. Send your pictures at your own risk.

Model an riwala d actor 20-06-2012 19:15:24

_FOCUS FEATURE

DR MALAVIKA KOHLI

A renowned dermatologist, she has made her mark in aesthetic dermatology in India for over 15 years. Post your queries in our Forums at www.youthincmag.com

During the rains, my scalp becomes oily, while my hair becomes flat. Please suggest some medicine or a shampoo and conditioner that will be suitable for my hair. Anika Ajmera, Kerala One of the main reasons for the scalp to become oily is if it’s not washed often. It’s best to wash the scalp in the rainy season every alternate day. Use a medicated shampoo containing zinc pyrithione if you have an oily scalp. An important hint is to remember never to keep the scalp wet or oily at any point of time. It's a good idea to pass the cold end of the dryer through the hair to dry the scalp. Any conditioner that suits you can be used but remember to apply it to the ends. This will ensure that your scalp remains free of oil. My daughter suffered from herpes a year back that has left behind scars on her back. Is there any ointment, which will fade these scars? Krisha Mehra, Noida Herpes scars are difficult to treat but it’s important to know how old and deep the scars are. Worth trying is the local application of a cream containing silicone, which really helps in scar resolving. However few procedures like dermaroller or lasers also work well for such scars. My hair growth is constrained after reaching the shoulder level. What can I do to promote hair growth? I have lost hope. Niti Mishra, Mumbai For stronger hair, a good diet plays an important role. Vitamin biotin can be added to the diet or oral supplements could be taken. Finally, good scalp and hair care also helps. Regular trimming to avoid split ends is needed. Know that the the hair growth cycle is also very hereditary. Can you suggest a remedy to reduce the tan from my arms? I have become tanned in the summer and am looking to get rid of it in any way. Kiara Nair, Goa To remove a tan from the arms, there are either certain lightening creams available containing kojic or glycolic acid. However, for quicker and faster results, treatments like chemical peels containing phenol or glycolic or vitamin C peels done by a dermatologist could help. However, for long lasting results use of a good sunscreen and regular application will help a lot. I suffer from pigmentation on my face. Is there anything I can apply to get rid of this and to prevent it? Avanti Pore, Mumbai Facial pigmentation occurs due to sun damage, hormonal issues, nutritional deficiency, frictional or irritant dermatitis. The nature, chronic level and the treatment of the pigmentation depends on the cause, pattern and depth of pigmentation for which you need to see a dermatologist.

Dr Good Skin Monsoon skin care for all skin types

on’t we all love those gloomy clouds and days off during the monsoons, but absolutely hate it when the rain damages our skin? Here are some tips that may help you cope with the monsoons without making you look ‘all washed out’! •• Cleanse skin with gentle cleansers: The humidity during the monsoon may cause your skin to sweat which attracts dust and dirt. This can cause breakouts. Therefore regular cleansing is necessary. For normal to dry skin: use a soap free cleanser, as soap is very dehydrating for the skin. For oily/combination skin: use a Salicylic acid based cleanser in the morning and mild, gentle cleanser at night or if needed then once during the day to get the dead skin and dirt off from the skin. •• Moisturise your skin: Moisturising in the rainy season is as important as it is in summer. For normal to dry skin: Use a cream based moisturiser or a rich lotion. If your skin feels very dry you can also use a hyaluronic acid based skin serum with the moisturiser. For oily / combination skin: Avoid heavy moisturisers and use a light water-based moisturising lotion. •• Use Sunscreens: Your skin needs protection from UV rays, even in the monsoon. For normal to dry: Use a water proof sunscreen of minimum SPF-30. For oily/combination skin: Use non-sticky, non greasy, gel based water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. The sunscreen has to be reapplied every 3-4 hours. •• Avoid heavy makeup: Let your skin breathe, so avoid heavy makeup, at least during the day. For Normal to dry skin: Use light water based foundation and other cosmetics. They are ideal for shorter wear but opt for oil based waterproof make up if you should get wet in the rain. For oily/combination skin: Non-greasy, lightweight oil free foundation and cosmetics are most appropriate. •• Use skin fresheners on a regular basis: Use skin fresheners, like thermal waters that can be sprayed onto the skin. This keeps the skin hydrated and prevents dehydration. Last but not the least, eat a healthy and nutritious diet and drink great amounts of water throughout day so as to maintain the glow on your skin. So protect your skin and have a blast this Monsoon! JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 93

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_AWARENESS

From left to right: Pradeep Guha, Gul Panag, Subhash Ghai and Tom Malloy

An evening of

Inspiration The inauguration of ‘Inspiration’, an initiative started by the enterprising students of Whistling Woods International, proved to be a truly enriching experience

Last October, 70 MBA students from Whistling Woods International, went around 16 Indian cities in two months, to educate the youth of the country on various career opportunities in the media and communication industry. This was a part of the initiative titled ‘Inspiration’, which was started by these enterprising students in an attempt to take firm steps towards positive change. This year, the second session of ‘Inspiration’ was announced at an event held at the Whistling

Woods campus. ‘Inspiration’ will travel across six cities starting from Mumbai and moving on to Nasik, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai and Ranchi. Speaking about the scale of ‘Inspiration’ this year, Ujjwal K Chowdhury, a professor at WWI said, “This time too some 63 speakers are slated to speak in these six cities, at least 15 young achievers will be awarded and more than 2000 youths will participate in the event series.” After the inauguration, a seminar to place, which proved to be a highly

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informative and enriching experience as it unleashed copious knowledge and awareness about the media and entertainment profession through the medium of a panel discussion. Apart from popular actress Gul Panag and founder of Whistling Woods International, Subhash Ghai, many other eminent personalities comprised this panel including Ujjwal K Chowdhury, Dean, WWI- School of Media and Communication, RJ Salil and RJ Archana from Radio City, entertainment industry veteran Pradeep Guha and Hollywood actor Tom Malloy. Renowned Hollywood Producer, Brian Ronalds was a special guest at the event. The ‘Young Achiever’ award, which was introduced at Inspiration 2011, was awarded to Suzanne Ghai, Creative Head Fiction, Star Plus and Mangesh Hadawale, Oscar-nominated Indian film director and writer. Both these individuals have made an impact in their respective industries in a short span of time. The speakers at the event inspired students with their personal experiences and points of view. Gul Panag, who apart from being a critically acclaimed actor is also an activist, aviator, animal lover, adrenalin junkie and avid traveller, gave the students something to mull over with the help of a surprising fact. She revealed that although India produces around 800-1000 films per year, our films fail to make an impact on international platforms. In all the major international film festivals (Toronto, Venice, Cannes and Berlin film festivals), Indian films are sorely missed. She appealed to young filmmakers to introspect and question why our films fail to have an international appeal. Her personal take on the issue is that our films need a degree of realism which currently seems to be lacking in them. Pradeep Guha, Managing Director at 9X, enlightened the audience with the story behind the Page 3 phenomenon. Mr Guha also stated the importance of reinvention with the

example of Femina, which was revived from a dying magazine thanks to the Femina Miss India pageant. Not only did the pageant turn around the fate of the magazine, it also resulted in India winning international titles for eight consecutive years! His advice to the youth was to be aware of changing trends since attention spans are shortening constantly. It is important in this day and age, to know your consumer and his changing needs. RJ Salil and RJ Archana shone light on the current potential in the radio industry and called it the newspaper of the mind. With the third phase of liberalisation underway, around 240 new radio channels are expected to start. RJ Salil shot to fame after he starred in the popular soap Kasauti Zindagi Ki. However, after his film Awarapan failed to make an impact on audiences, Salil turned to radio. Archana who juggles between singing, acting and web designing had a little dose of philosophy for the students, “Life happens when you are chasing your dreams,” she said. The duo, who are currently among the most recognised voices on radio, also stressed about the importance of treating onself as a brand. Shubhash Ghai inspired his students with the story of his personal journey. His father wanted him to become a CA, while Ghai dreamt of being an actor. Unfortunately, his acting career remained unsuccessful and he switched to directing, producing and financing. And finally, today he is an educationist. He encouraged students to find their interest, fuel their passion, and be fearless in their journey towards discovering themselves. Mr Ghai also made a poignant statement on the importance of a Guru. He said that while a teacher merely transfers education, a Guru goes a step beyond and transforms lives. Well, it looks like Mr Ghai has successfully converted his students into Gurus since they are taking concrete steps to transform other lives through ‘Inspiration’ yi

Some 63 speakers are slated to speak in six cities, at least 15 young achievers will be awarded, and more than 2000 youths will participate in the event series

Mangesh Hadawale (top) and Suzanne Ghai (bottom) receiving their 'Young Achiever' award

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_SPORTS

Olympian Task?

WITH THE 2012 OLYMPICS BEGINNING THIS MONTH, UNNATI SHAH TAKES A LOOK AT INDIA’S CHANCES OF INCREASING ITS MEDAL COUNT IN THE UPCOMING OLYMPICS

ABHINAV BINDRA 

I really don’t think this dude (he’s truly one!) needs an introduction, but for those who aren't in the know, he was the one to win the first individual Olympic gold for India. He proved wrong those people who thought India wasn’t destined to win a gold and also inspired sportspersons across the country to prove their mettle. While at a conference in Delhi,

Abhinav Bindra gave some advice to the Olympic first-timers. He said, “I suggest that they only work hard and concentrate on their aim. The beauty of sports is the thrill and unpredictability; nothing can beat the joy of standing on the podium.” This statement speaks volumes of the hard work and effort Bindra has put in. Bindra claims that he is satisfied with the preparations of the event and

will try his best to repeat his winning performance. We really hope you do, Abhinav!

DEEPIKA KUMARI 

No one thought that this girl from Ranchi would go on to represent India at the Olympics for archery. It’s been a long and eventful journey for Deepika, whose hidden potential was first discovered in 2005 when she

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ny sporting event generates a lot of hype, but the level of excitement heightens to a great extent during the Olympic games, as it integrates citizens of a country with a feeling of national pride while bringing lesserknown sports into the limelight. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE OLYMPICS The Olympic games originated in the Greek city Olympia in 776 BC. The games were dedicated to the Greek God Zeus. The games were banned in 393 AD by Emperor Theodosius who termed them as 'pagan cults'. Initially, the only Olympic event was a 200-yard-race called a 'stadium'. The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 after they were brought back into existence by French educator Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin. Women were not allowed to compete in the Olympics until 1900 as their presence was considered

was admitted to the Arjun Archery Academy. Later, she joined the Tata Archery Academy in 2006 where she was given a stipend of `500. In the 2010 Commonwealth Games, she won two gold medals, proving her detractors wrong and strengthening the faith of those who believed in her. She has battled problems like poverty and family resistance to reach this stage. As a teenager, she used to

impractical, uninteresting, unaesthetic and incorrect. INDIA'S DISMAL PERFORMANCES The 2008 Olympics held in Beijing proved to be historic for India. Winning a total of three medals in different sporting events, this became India’s best ever performance at the Olympics. The star of the event was Abhinav Bindra, who won India its first individual Olympic gold medal. While there is good reason to cherish these milestones, the harsh reality of statistical reports dampens the celebrations considerably. According to these reports, in comparison with other countries, India has the lowest medals-per-capita ratio. The primary culprit for our lack of performance might be seen in the large percentage of population living below the poverty line. However, this argument seems flawed when we compare our performance to countries like Ethiopia, Kenya and Uzbekistan, which have managed to bag more

medals than India despite their low income rates. The blame then shifts to the lack of sporting facilities and the inexorable menace of corruption that plagues our country. On the other hand, some people simply believe that Indians are just not an athletic race and pin their hopes of victory on a sport that is less likely to disappoint - cricket. As Indians, we reserve our passion for cricket while other sports are nourished with measly leftovers. Despite the fact that the Indian hockey team has won the country eight Olympic medals, it is still denied the privileges that cricket enjoys. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? Now in 2012, India is geared up for the London Olympics slated to begin on July 27. Out of the 17,000 athletes competing in this grand sporting event, 47 will be representing India. Let us now introduce you to some Indian athletes who we see as potential medal winners. yi

practice with handmade bows and arrows due to financial constraints. Her family has had to make sacrifices along the way and cut short their expenditure to support her passion. Well, we hope she makes her family and the entire nation proud!

RONJAN SODHI 

After being rejected to participate in the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing,

this 'Punjab da sher' was determined to enter the 2012 Olympics and show the world what he is made of. His career shot to fame in the last two years as this ace double trap shooter kept adding to his collection of gold and silver medals. He became the only Indian marksman who topped the latest ISSF world rankings. Speaking about this accomplishment, Sodhi says, “It's a great feeling to be ranked JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 97

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_SPORTS

world No 1. It was one of my dreams to be at the top of the ISSF rankings and now that I have reached here, I look forward towards my other goals and ambitions. The journey hasn't been easy but my determination was what kept me going and the last three years have given me a lot of reasons to smile.” Sodhi confesses that his earlier scores were poor because he was playing in the defensive mode and not with his usual aggression. But now, he claims to be a changed person. He has promised that the Ronjan Sodhi shooting in London will be the '100 per cent motivated to win version', and not the old one. We hope you deliver on that promise Mr Sodhi!

DEVENDRO SINGH 

Who dreams of becoming a boxer at the age of nine when most children are thinking of becoming super heroes? Well Devendro did. Now at the age of 19, Devendro’s accomplishments have surpassed his own expectations. Devendro is leaving no stone unturned

GAGAN NARANG 

He holds the record of shooting the highest air rifle score (defeating Thomas Farnik of Austria with a score of 703.5). He has won four gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and two silvers at the Asian Games, among other accomplishments. But according to him, his greatest win was in 2006 at the world cup final in Granada, Spain when the setting of his world record coincided with Barrack Obama’s presidential win. He was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2011 after his stint at the Commonwealth Games. Narang was the first Indian to qualify for the Olympics and with eight gold medals at the Commonwealth Games. It is difficult not to expect a similar performance at the London Olympics.

VIKAS KRISHNAN YADAV 

20-year-old Vikas has already achieved what boxers double his age aspire for. Chess has been a hobby for Vikas and has also guided him in his boxing

INDIA @

the Olympics

• Norman Prichard, an Anglo Indian won the first Olympic medal for India back in 1900 (two silver medals in the 200m sprint and 200m Hurdles). • Indian athletes have won a measly 20 Olympic medals till date, with hockey constituting the most number of wins. • The Indian Government has spent 55.22 crores in preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games.

He says that it is very boring to watch him play, but that is his style - to bore his opponent and frustrate him to defeat. He explains this strategy saying, “Somehow it works for me. It does not look great but winning is all that matters. If a defensive game does that, why should I bother?” He’s been practicing enthusiastically for the

for the Olympics and is determined and positive about winning a gold medal this year. He is well aware of his weaknesses. In fact, he is doing his level best to overcome them. Speaking of his weaknesses, he says, “I am a naturally aggressive boxer but need to learn how to counter-attack better.” Now, that’s the sign of a responsible boxer, isn’t it?

career. Behind every boxing move, there is a well thought out plan. Trained at the Bhivani Boxing Club, he lists the similarities between boxing and chess. “Both are about moves and both are mind games," he says. "Boxing is about outsmarting your opponent. Often, whoever thinks better and smarter in the ring wins the bout."

Olympics. All the best Vikas! We do hope your practice bears fruit! While these achievers have filled the spots for the 2012 Olympics, there is plenty of room at the 2016 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. So remember the Olympics motto of 'Swifter. Higher. Stronger' and enjoy this year's Olympics to the fullest! yi

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refresh}

__MAKEOVER

Devanshu Row came in for a makeover looking to tame his wild curls. Senior stylist Lekha Shah of The Cut Collective, steps in and snips his hairstyling woes away!

(MAKEOVER)

Devanshu Row, a student from Nagpur does not have the time to style his long locks and wanted a look that was easy to maintain. He is given a refreshing makeover that compliments his wild, carefree spirit.

Tobacco brown hair colour, which is two shades lighter than Devanshu’s natural hair colour, is applied to his hair. This colour is selected because it works well with Devanshu’s fair complexion.

Finally, Devanshu’s hair is styled and scrunched to complete his makeover. The result is a wild, funky look that also makes his hair look healthy and nourished.

“I really like the layers that have been added to my hair. I also love the hair colour, it definitely suits my personality. This is very close to the look I had in mind when I came in for the makeover.”

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROHAN FERNANDES

Devanshu’s hair is then exposed to some steam to quicken the colouring process. Devanshu looks a little uncomfortable as he begins to feel the heat! Luckily, in a few minutes the steam has done its job and the colour kicks in.

Once the hair colouring process is over, it’s time to start snipping! Lekha LEKHA SHAH“I have given Devanshu’s hair a cuts Devanshu’s hair in sun-kissed colour, which compliments his skin tone a way that compliments beautifully. When he came in his hair was really dry; his curls. Since he it is important for him to trim his hair every month doesn’t want to lose the length of his hair, Lekha if he wants his hair to grow in a healthy manner.” retains his current look but ensures it doesn’t STYLIST TIP Men should get monthly trims and use the right look unkempt. hair products for their hair. This will allow them to maintain their look with minimum styling. Send your photos to Youth Inc to get a makeover and transform your look! Contact mail@youthincmag.com

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_FITNESS

S Y W PI C T ! O U R KO

Want to get fit and have a complete blast too? Meet Sarina Jain, the creator of Masala Bhangra, a fitness craze that has taken the world by storm

orget Zumba! The world is going gaga over Masala Bhangra, a fitness method that combines Bhangra and Bollwood moves to create a high intensity workout set against pulsating beats. Celebrities ranging from Deepak Chopra to Vanessa Williams swear by it! With over ten different DVDs to choose from, you are bound to have a rollicking time, sweating it out and working your way to a toned body. YI: Why bhangra and how did you come up with the idea? SJ: I was born and raised in the US to Indian parents. My parents wanted to make sure that we would grow up with the best of what the West has to offer without forgetting the East. Dad made sure to send us to India every summer to spend time with our grandparents and to learn to appreciate Indian culture. My father

was our rock; our friend and protector. Dad would always tell us to respect the culture you come from and to stand on our own feet. He passed away to a massive cardiac arrest at the age of 47. So to honour him and his existence and everything he told us to be proud of, I created Masala Bhangra. How did you enter the world of fitness and in your opinion, what is its importance? SJ: I have been teaching fitness for the last 21 years. It was a hobby that became a full-time career. I decided to take it seriously after losing my father. Health and fitness is very important. Taking care of your body should be number one in your list of priorities! YI: Do you personally love bhangra a lot? Tell us more! SJ: I grew up in the US around many Indian people. We were involved with Diwali functions, Holi celebrations,

Garba, Ras and what have you! So when the dance competitions started, we put on a bhangra item together. Yes, I love bhangra and the meaning behind the dance. I love the folk aspect of it and the strength of it. I am proud to be the pioneer of bringing bhangra to the forefront of fitness. People know Bollywood, but they really don’t know what they are missing out on since bhangra is what brings people together. YI: Tell us more about the Masala Bhangra videos. SJ: The Masala Bhangra workout videos are easy to follow and perfect if you want to work out in the privacy of your house and at the same time enjoy dancing and getting a good sweat out of it! Many people use my workout videos for many reasons. Some use it to learn to dance, to get a good cardio workout or to learn a dance move for an upcoming wedding! It’s so nice to

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Sarina Jain with Vanessa Williams

hear from people who say that Masala Bhangra helped to bring their family together! YI: How different is this method from other dance workouts? SJ: Masala Bhangra is an Indian dance workout combined with the folk side of bhangra and the exhilaration of Bollywood. There are many other dance workouts. But I really suggest that you find something that you like. People are drawn to this fitness style because they are attracted to the culture, music and the basic love for fitness. Taking a Masala Bhangra class allows you to forget your worries and get immersed in Indian culture. By the end of the class, everyone feels really satisfied. You'll find most of the people in the class sweating, clapping and shouting out “Balle Balle!” They feel ready to start their day with a huge smile. It really is an exhilerating feeling!

What has made bhangra so popular abroad? SJ: It’s people like me or even DJ Rekha, who have brought bhangra to the forefront of our industries. It’s the beat of the dhol that people love and is universally understood too! It makes you want to move and to celebrate. I tell everyone in class to celebrate their health and their life. It’s precious! I wish more of my own Indian people would take more classes. Most Indian people say, “I know bhangra. Why would I pay for it?” And my answer to that is, “I challenge you to come and check it out!” Who are the people who attend Masala Bhangra classes? SJ: Anyone and everyone who has a pulse can experience Masala Bhangra to the fullest. Kids are also in love with this program too as I even have a workout video especially for the kids. There's no age limit as such!

What’s it like being the official face of Nestle in Latin America? SJ: When Nestle approached me to be their face for 2.6 million cereal boxes, it was like a dream come true. It was amazing to see the hard work that I had put in over the last 12 years come alive on a box for the whole of Latin America to see. I wish I could do the same for a brand in India. YI: A message for our young readers? SJ: There are so many kids today who are lazy, bored or not motivated to move or do anything at all. I’m hoping to slowly change this attitude. It was an eye opener for me after losing my father. We live for our family and friends and for ourself, so why not live longer? You have got to find something that you enjoy doing and take care of that heart of yours as I for sure want it to be around for a long time! I hope to inspire people to take action on it. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 101

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_HEALTH

WHY ME?

Nirva Vira identifies a big issue among youngsters today–frustration

ave you often found yourself screaming, fighting and overreacting to any situation for no reason at all? Chill! It’s normal. Every person goes through such a phase. From the school desk to the office desk, and from the first pimple to the first wrinkle, stress and frustration is always present, but it’s safe as long as it is controlled and not allowed to erupt suddenly. It is supposed to be removed from the mind, but in a way that is silent yet beneficial. It should be put to constructive use and should not be allowed to stray on to the destructive path. Dr Henal Shah, associate professor at the Department of Psychiatry, TN Medical College, has put together some tips to help youngsters deal with frustration with a positive attitude. KNOW WHY? Frustration can be caused due to anything and everything. From chipping your nail to failing a test, it can arise anytime. In adolescents, it is mainly due to peer and parental

pressure and pressure to win the rat race. Parental pressure occurs when one’s folks have too many expectations from the child or if the parents are overprotective. What some parents fail to understand is that just like a butterfly must break free from the cocoon one day, their child too has to explore the world on his own. Sadly, peer pressure comes from the very source that a teenager relies on the most–friends. One has many friends–some might have a bad influence on you and some might rub off well. It all depends on how you choose your company. Lastly, the pressure from studies is what everyone knows the best. Today, the rat race has become an integral part of our lives; winning it or losing it decides the course. But not only from parents and society but also from one’s self to prove to the world one’s mettle. HOW TO TACKLE IT IMMEDIATELY? •• Identify what gets you angry. From the list, (box to the right) find your symptoms, be aware of them and avoid them if you can. •• If you can’t control your anger, walk away from the situation. Walking away is not an act of cowardice. •• Learn to say no to things that you don’t find right. •• Distract yourself every time you know you might get angry. Think about something pleasant or funny. •• Look at the funny side of things. Laugh off petty matters before they reach the heart and mind. Being optimistic helps to control your frustration in the long run. •• When your anger’s about to erupt, take one step back and look at the bigger picture.

Identify it • Do you always scream at your

family or friends? • Do you resort to breaking or throwing things? • Do you fight with siblings for unnecessary things? • Do you crib for petty issues? • Do you over eat when angry or nervous? • Do you indulge in strange activities to attract attention? If you can identify with two or more of these symptoms right now, then you have a low frustration threshold. Deal with it now!

•• Look at things from the other person’s perspective. Step into their shoes for a moment. TIPS TO RELIEVE FRUSTRATION •• Not only does dancing keep you physically fit but also mentally charged. •• Listening to motivational and upbeat songs helps a lot. •• Chant OM thrice with deep long breaths every time you get hyper. •• Practice yoga. •• Write a poem or an account about why you are angry. •• Read books on channelising your energy. •• Indulge in sports. •• Associate yourself with community work, such as visiting orphanages, teaching poor children, etc. yi

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_TECHNOLOGY

CRACKBERRY PLIGHTS SUHANI MARDIA PONDERS OVER THE ADDICTIVE NATURE OF THE ALLENCOMPASSING BLACKBERRY THAT NOW FAILS TO STAND OUT IN THE MOBILE PHONE MARKET

mailing has never been easier? Noticed that you’ve developed some new text muscles all of a sudden? Can’t stop with the pinging if someone doesn’t reply within 10 seconds? Well, if these are the symptoms, congratulations! You’re not just officially a 'Blackberry Boy', but more on the lines of an addict! They call them ‘crackberries’ for a reason. Crackberry addicts Once an exclusive tool marketed so well that every professional had to have one to simplify their life, the BlackBerry has now become a musthave gadget for people of just about any age. Ask a college-going kid what’s the most exciting part of his or her day, and pat comes the reply: chatting on my ‘BB’. And, we cannot forget to include the bored housewife, for whom the BlackBerry has offered an extended horizon at dirt-cheap prices. With over 10,000 apps, solid and candy-coloured cases, push email and

the BBM facility, this smartphone has taken over the basic mobile phone and has supposedly made our lives easy and fast, perhaps a little too fast for our liking. It literally connects you with everyone, anytime. I never understood the term ‘crackberry’ until I got myself a BlackBerry. And boy did I understand the addictive nature of this phone! I have never had an addiction to anything, be it alcohol, drugs, video games or gambling (well maybe Italian food), until BlackBerry Bold came into my life. There I was texting away till my thumbs went sore. Hooked no more Barring the convenience that it might offer to BlackBerry fans, there isn’t much improvement besides visible performance notch ups that would make an average customer think twice about switching over to an iPhone or Android-based mobile phone. In fact, the latest generation of BlackBerry smart phones seem rather boring. The brand is sort of getting lost in a market that is brimming with new

technologies and innovative designs that grab the customer’s attention. This clearly makes the good old BB a tad boring and obviously doesn’t translate well for RIM’s sales. The new BlackBerry phones that RIM will launch have the same physical keyboards with comparatively smaller screens and newer versions of the OS that give the same feel as the previous versions. If RIM has trouble selling the existing products in the market, why produce clones of the same smart phones? This does not make much sense. BlackBerry seems to be a flash in the pan, with its clone-like unimaginative upgrades that at no level stand close to the other smart phones in the market. Its latest BlackBerry phones, even though solidly designed, are failing miserably. Are you thinking of switching to an iPhone or Android-based phone? It’s a scary journey, but once you do, you’ll never look back. As a former BlackBerry addict, I knew there would be some obstacles and things to get used to. Once you decide to take the plunge, there are some obvious improvements that you will come to love. And, of course, you will think to yourself, sometimes in life, you get addicted to the strangest of things. yi JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 103

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_TECHNOLOGY

iOS V/S

Android RAZI SHAIKH AND BILAL SIDDIQI TAKE SIDES ON A COMPARISON THAT FOREVER SEEMS TO BE IN THE OFFING

he Green Bot is fast gaining steam in India and has now become the leading operating system for smart phones. Here’s a lowdown on what’s hot and what’s not: Android is the most versatile and open OS you can find in the market today. Its user interface is amazingly flexible and although it may come across as complex to some, the choice of customising your widgets (something that iOS lacks) and the user experience more than makes up for that. Google voice-by-voice navigation is great and can effectively replace your standard GPS. NFC (Near Field Communication) is making roads into the consumer world and is regarded as the next big thing. iOS 5 missed the trick on this one unlike Android devices, which are increasingly featuring NFC. A seamless Internet experience is guaranteed, with Flash support on board. The Android market is vast and offers over 2,50,000 apps. It gives you the apps you really want and that too, without anyone controlling your choices. Apple’s renaissance famously started with the ‘Think Different’ campaign and it seems that the Android OS has taken over it. You can choose from a wide range of devices that run Android. Consumer is king and Android respects that, allowing you to choose from companies like HTC, Samsung, Sony and more, all of which bundle this OS with their own customisations. It may prevent a seamless experience of the Android ecosystem, but it stands for what Android is: open, flexible and in tune with consumer choices.

he iOS is the brainchild of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Like Jobs, the iOS is intriguing, suave and also highly controversial primarily because Jobs was adamant about his software working only on Apple devices. But, this is undoubtedly one of his best decisions. An Apple device has its own charm, right from its impeccable hardware to its smooth software functioning. iOS is simple to use, fun to operate and is quick and convenient. The response to user input is immediate and provides a fluid interface. Interaction with the OS includes gestures such as swipe, tap, pinch and reverse pinch, all of which have specific definitions within the context of the iOS operating system and its multi-touch interface. Internal accelerometers are used by some applications to respond to shaking the device rotating it in three dimensions. iOS 5 introduced the iCloud service, the notification centre as well as improvements to native apps such as camera. The operating system also features new applications such as the ‘Reminders’ app and iMessage, an application that allows iPod touch, iPhone and iPad users to communicate, much like a chat service but can only be used between these devices (Apple's answer to BlackBerry Messenger!). On the whole, an Apple product (both hardware and software) stands in a class of its own. And even though comparisons with other operating systems are inevitable, the iOS holds a place of its own in the consumer market. As Steve Jobs believed, the consumer doesn't know what they want and it was his ‘job’ to give it to them! yi

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o Dr ol

_TECHNOLOGY

FOR TECH LOVERS 

of the MONTH

ROMPLR: REMIX (FREE)

 DIGITAL VIDEO MEMO (`5,465)

Hey dad! We

Want to tell your mom you’re out with friends, but don’t want to interrupt her at work? Does your brother need to be reminded to walk the dog every now and then? Well, here’s when this video memo recorder comes into play. This device, in addition to having a fridge magnet behind it, allows you to record single 30 second videos, after which a flashing LED light alerts passersby to your saved message. Think of it as a sticky note with a 1.5-inch LCD screen, builtin video camera and USB rechargeable battery. The only worry is that mom can now take nagging to a whole new level!

are out shopping now. We'll be home for dinner.

APP

For all those of you who harbor dreams of becoming a DJ, we suggest you start right now from the comfort of your own home. Romplr Remix is a new app that is more like a game that challenges you to play around with different songs and make the best mixes possible. Choose from your favorite artists like Rihanna, Jackson 5 and Lady Gaga! Further, all mixkits offers you eight loops and seven FX to improvise your music and mixes. After every mix is made, you can save it, share it or even broadcast it to others who use this

of the

MONTH

app. Now you can be a DJ and be in control of the mix!

SHOWER RADIO V3 (`699)

MICROMAX FUNBOOK P300 (`6,499)

Can't do without your daily dose of music even when you shower? HitPlay has done it again with one of their most innovative ideas yet. The Shower Radio is fit for use in your bathroom, shower area, kitchen, swimming pool and almost any other place you can think of. Light, portable and completely waterproof, this device need no external power supply as it runs on simple ‘AA’ pencil cells. HitPlay assures us of its excellent reception quality; the Shower Radio can work almost anywhere in the world. Perfect for all you compulsive shower crooners out there!

Looking out for a budget-friendly tablet? The FunBook from Micromax is a low-cost option that is perfect if you want to jump on to the tablet bandwagon. While the touch screen response is not quite up to the mark, the 7-inch (480 x 800 pixels) screen is not too bad, barring the fact that it is susceptible to glare. This Android 4.0 tablet is however, a good choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of portability with its slim design. The 0.3 mega pixel camera for video calls also makes it stand apart from others. Carry it everywhere and enjoy games or work on the go! The browsing experience is good, while the multimedia playback support is as versatile as it can get. JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 105

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iMHO {

SO MANY FUN THINGS, SO LITTLE TIME! HERE'S THE SCOOP

I N

M Y

H O N ES T

O P I N I O N

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael

Caine, Morgan Freeman

Finally, the sequel to the muchloved The Dark Knight is here, concluding Christopher Nolan’s popular Batman series. The film takes place eight years after the events of the prequel and introduces characters like Selina Kyle and Bane, two villains from the Batman mythology, portrayed by Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy respectively. We will also see an older Bruce Wayne, who gets back into action as Batman himself. Waiting movies for him is the mysterious Selina Kyle and Bane who are hell-bent on tearing apart the Batman legacy piece by piece. Nolan intends to end his trilogy on a satisfactory note. We can barely wait to watch this one!

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Starring: Andrew Garfield,

Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans

This much-awaited flick is finally here with a change in the director and lead. In fact, the story itself heads into a new direction. Peter Parker, played by Andrew Garfield is introduced as a high school student. He finds a clue that might lead him to find out how his parents disappeared when he was young. Following the Marvel tradition of storytelling, the villain of the story Dr Connors, is interestingly related to Peter Parker and Peter’s love, Gwen Stacy. Peter’s path puts him on a collision course with Dr Connors who is his father’s former partner.

COCKTAIL

Movies / Music / Books

{

FERRARI KI SAWAARI

The movie Ferrari Ki Sawaari revolves around a caring father and his cricket loving child. The movie soundtrack is a treat, composed by Pritam. It is melodic and has a contemporary appeal. With six songs and an instrumental track, the soundtrack is devoid of the clichéd remix. ‘Mala Jau De’ is a ‘Maharashtrian-Goan track. The title track is a peppy, Bollywood number, sung by Shaan. 'Maara re Sixer' is a Sonu Nigam song that has a cricket theme. A mother music singing out to her kid in 'Good Night' is a lullaby track with beautiful vocals by Swanand Kirkire. 'Rusy’s Theme' is an instrumental track. 'Life ye Mausambi Si' has Spanish music blended with Agnee singer K Mohan’s fantastic voice. The lyrics are meaningful and leave you in a pensive state. 'Aye Mere Mann', a prayer sung by child artiste Shyamantan Das, has a claming effect. -Anushi Mandelecha

INDUS CREED- EVOLVE

This album manages the almost impossible-keeping you hooked till the very last song. ‘Evolve’, the iconic Indus Creed’s latest album (after a 15-year wait!) is a mix of the band’s original hard rock style with electronica, folk and more. Each song has an underlying theme and some sort of message through its pleasant music and lyrics. Guitar and keyboard solos abound in this comeback album. A favourite would have to be the folk ballad, Fireflies with its catchy tune and the lead singer’s solid vocals. Goodbye, the very last track on the album takes you in completely with its lyrics (possibly speaking of a break up). - Abisha Fernandes

Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Deepika

BACK TO SCHOOL

PICKS

WATCH

Padukone, Diana Penty

The makers of Love Aaj Kaal are back with a new cinematic concoction that will make your head spin! Directed by Homi Adajania (of Being Cyrus fame), this rom-com has garnered interest after the trailer generated over a million YouTube views in just three days! An incorrigible flirt (Saif Ali Khan), a desi girl (Diana Penty), a wild party animal (Deepika Padukone) and the city of London blend together to make this 'Cocktail'. As the bond between these friends strengthens, the boundaries of love and friendship blur, resulting in a complicated love triangle. Grab your popcorn, sit back and enjoy this heady film!

This one is a hilarious comedy about a rich businessman, who goes back to school in order to support his discouraged son. When your day at school comes to an end, rush home with your friends and watch this film. The uncontrollable laughter sessions that follow will bring much needed relief from the mundane lectures!

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QUICK FIRE INTERVIEW WITH VARUN AGARWAL From writing blogs on how he started his company Alma Mater to writing his debut novel on the same ‘How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co-Founded A Million Dollar Company’, Varun Agarwal has come a long way. He says, “I do not remember myself as a writer. In fact, the most I wrote was in my English exam in class 12.” This 25-year-old entrepreneur-cum-writer lives with his parents and two brothers in Bangalore. Why should one read your book this weekend? The book is for anyone who wants to follow their dreams. It’s for those who listen to their heart and who want to brave it out to make their dreams a reality. I would like the readers to infer that sometimes you should take the leap and then think. What prompted you to start writing this book? I used to write blogs on my Facebook page about how we started my company Alma Mater that started to get famous. I sent some of them to Rupa Publishers who loved them and asked for a complete manuscript. That’s when the problem started. I had only written a few blogs and the most number of words I had ever jotted down was around 300, whereas a manuscript needs 50,000- 60,000 words. So I was in real trouble. Sometime last year, I fell ill and was under house arrest. I couldn’t work so I decided to give the manuscript a shot. I was under really strong anti-biotics so I kept writing. I was done eight days later with the finished manuscript (that I completely hated) with 50,000 words. I sent it to Rupa publishers and completely forgot about it. A month later they sent me a mail saying I was a published author!

books

Did you have a target readership in mind? The usual readers of the book would be in the age group of 16-30. But surprisingly, older people have taken a liking to my book as well. Would you like to see your book adapted into a film and who would you like as the main protagonist? The trend is huge in the West. I hope more books get adapted into films. I would love to see this happen to my film. My obvious choice would be Farhan Akhtar. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Ernest Hemmingway simply because I love the way he writes. What do you have to say about the boom in cheap, low-cost paperbacks? It's a sad scene where most of the writers can’t put two sentences together. They only talk about love (like we don’t have enough of it in Bollywood!). The most annoying thing is that these books are bestsellers that lower the quality of English among the Indian youth, especially in smaller towns. Read the entire interview on www.youthincmag.com -Babita Balan

`19

This diary is funny, quirky and brimming with illustrations; all of which make this account of growing up a very engaging read. The witty protagonist Amos Lee decides to write his diary in the loo and coins the term 'Poop Fiction.' Don't let the burden of assignments curb your reading pleasures; grab this easy-toread novel and breeze through the humourous pages!

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL BY PINK FLOYD LISTEN

READ

'THE DIARY OF AMOS LEE' BY ADELINE FOO

It’s that time of the year again, when schools and colleges reopen. Sounds boring, doesn’t it? Well, here’s a song that should find its way to your music player before the dreaded day.With lyrics like ‘We don’t need no education’ that scream rebellion, we think that Pink Floyd knew exactly what they were singing about! Now you don’t have to dread going back to school! JULY2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 107

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_RESTAURANT REVIEW

Resto/Meter

THE BEST NEW FOOD SPOTS IN T O W N ////////

BY CHINMAY JARIWALA

UP AND ABOVE, PUNE

Located on the outskirts of Pune, Up and Above is a renowned restaurant in Chandni Chowk. An ‘old masterpiece’ is what it would have been called, had you visited it earlier. In this fast track world, all that is new takes not more than a blink to be classified as ‘old’ today. With more and more restaurants coming up and people dying to set themselves free to experience the various delicacies, restaurants are `400 making a huge business. In the dilemma of which restaurant to try n o per pers this weekend, the old beauties are being neglected. Up and above offers an exotic ambience to make your visit even more worth the time. It is a 3-floored restaurant located on a hill top. Each floor has its own distinct view of the town under the bright light of the stars. It's an ideal place for a romantic, candle light dinner! It offers a great variety of food ranging from veg starters to mouth watering non-veg cuisine. Even the simplest ‘masala papad’ can melt in your mouth with ease! Their own classic recipes of mocktails freshen one, in and out. But just like every other old foodie-hub of this town, over time this restaurant has experienced a mild decline in its popularity. Upcoming pubs and food-joints have brainwashed the citizens of this old beauty. Subsequently, the food quality has also declined but this would only be noticeable by old customers. So I can assure you that even after all these years the food of this place is a delightful journey, yet to be explored all over again! No. 75, Chandni Chowk, Kothrud, Pune-411029 -Pankhuri Shukla

LEBMEX, MUMBAI

BY AANCHAL TRIPATHI

This vegetarian joint at Chowpatty claims to serve authentic Lebanese, Mexican and a mash-up of the two cuisines. You'll be greeted by yellow, green and orange walls and as you proceed inside, some kitsch poster art of smiling Mexican chilli peppers. The restaurant has an open kitchen too. It gets even better if you happen to be a student as they offer a 20 per cent discount for students. Choose from like Lebanese dishes like hummus with pita, falafel and shawarma rolls, and Mexican preparations like fajitas, quesadillas, burritos and chalupas as well as fusion dishes like Mexican falafel, Mexican hummus and Mediterranean burritos. The falafel in a thick pita pocket was hard to chew while the pita, stuffed with diced cucumbers and tomatoes was sparsely dressed with a watery and bitter labneh. The sundried tomato hummus had a smooth texture and was definitely the standout dish in the meal, even though there was no sign of any sundried tomatoes. We proceeded to the Mexican section with whatever little fervour we could muster. Lebmex uses five ingredients for its Mexican fare– refried beans, cheese, lettuce and red and yellow peppers. The best thing about the tacos was the crisp shell! The complimentary chipotle salsa, which lacked fire, failed to compensate for the blandness. The burrito was a mushy mess of beans. One also gets a complimentary drink. Lebmex assures you that your hankering for anything Mexican or Lebanese will be killed. Shop No 6, ground floor, Marina Mansion, S.V.P. Road, Chowpatty, Mumbai 400007 -Aanchal Tripathi

`250 n per perso

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In a

_CELEB TADKA

Jiffy

rom being a lawyer to a successful model and now a chef, Joey Matthew has embarked on several journeys. She was born to Malyali parents, raised in Europe and the Middle East and has travelled extensively since. This exposure to various cultures is reflected in her culinary skills. Joey now hosts the popular show ‘Love Bites’ on NDTV Good Times, where she dishes out mouth watering recipes every week.

STEP 1

STEWED FRUITS INGREDIENTS 2 peaches 4 nectarines 50 grams castor sugar 1 cinnamon stick 2 tablespoons rosewater 2 tablespoons of dark rum METHOD •• Wash and dry the fruits. Cut them into wedges. •• In a saucepan, mix sugar, cinnamon stick, rosewater, rum and bring it to the boil. •• Now lower the heat to minimum and add the fruits and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Occasionally stir very gently. •• While the fruits are simmering, you can prepare the mascarpone cream and biscuit butter.

STEP 2

STEWED FRUITS WITH MASCARPONE

MASCARPONE CREAM &BISCUIT LAYER INGREDIENTS 2 packets of butter digestive biscuits 2 tablespoons of mascarpone cheese ½ cup of double cream ¼ cup of castor sugar 2 tablespoons of rum METHOD •• Crush the biscuits to make crumbs and keep aside •• Whisk mascarpone cheese, double cream, castor sugar and rum together in a bowl till light and airy. STEP 3

•• In a glass, layer the fruits at the bottom, then layer the biscuits and top it up with a layer of cream. Garnish with a wedge of stewed fruit. JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 109

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_AFTER DARK

LAGERBAY, MUMBAI

If you’ve been wondering about the new resto-bar that now stands in place of Bandra’s iconic Zenzi, then here’s all you might need to know. Lagerbay, Bandra’s latest all-day diner and pub comes at a good time, perfect to feed the nightlifehungry denizens of Mumbai. Expect to be greeted by a spacious standing area, dotted with tables and bar seats that lead to the inner room that houses a bar and comfortable seating. The drinks, in particular the cocktails are an absolute blast; the Peach Daiquiris (`350) are highly recommended and you won’t be able to stop at one or even two! The food is delicious, with the menu comprising both American and European delicacies. Choose from a host of finger foods and main course meals. Staples such as pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and pastas all find a place here. But don’t leave without sampling the really delicious chicken or vegetarian quesadillas or the tender lamb kibbeh. The ambience with its retro-vintage charm and pop-art decorated walls is perfect for a night out with friends, while the music is not too bad either, tending to tilt towards the confused space of things. Lagerbay could well do without dishing out remixes of several classics! Otherwise, this resto-pub is fantastic and is one that you’ll surely want to visit again. 183, Waterfield Road,

hangover

 

OVER THE WEEKEND HANGOUTS

Bandra West, Mumbai 400 050

`6 n per perso

-Jasmit Shah

[V] SPOT CAFÉ & BAR, DELHI

`3 n per perso

Calling all youngsters! How often have you dreamt of being a part of a peppy atmosphere with lively music and young crowd just like you? To turn your dreams into reality, Channel [V] has come up with their café-cum-bar called [V] Spot at Gurgaon. A gigantic 'V' welcomes you at the entrance and further inside, the interiors are done in vivacious shades of orange, yellow, red and pink, while the walls are adorned with quirky quotations. There are funky couches to lounge on and giant television screens too. The arrangement of the private dining area and terrace makes meeting friends special and leaves behind fond memories. Accessing the menu on iPads, digital gaming options and playing drinking games makes the café an attraction for tech and non-geeks alike. The beverage menu is inspired by Bollywood numbers with drinks called Munni Badnam Hui and Sheila ki Jawaani . All you health freaks will love the special section called Healthy Wealthy that allows you to enjoy your drink without counting the calories. Board games and an Xbox setup will keep you entertained too. This place has a lot more to offer such as interesting nights, which comprise karaoke nights and gaming nights. The café ensures that once you enter this fun-filled world, you wouldn’t leave it soon. The main courses served here are great as well. Chikibum Bum, La La Lasagne and Popeye’s Spaghetti Olive Oil are some of the must-try dishes. [V] Spot also serves yummy sandwiches and wraps, authentic pizzas and delicious desserts. Go ahead and enjoy this little den made for the youth. We give it a thumbs up! 3rd Floor, Cross Point, DLF Phase 4, Gurgaon -Aanchal Tripathi

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Rising

STAR

Model and actor Taaha Shah is all set to make a mark in Bollywood after his acting debut last year

FUN PICKS Fragrance of the moment: Desire by Alfred Dunhill Actor you’d like to share screen space with: Leonardo DiCaprio Director you’d like to work with: Karan Johar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali Top 3 movies: Scarface, Mughal-e-Azam and Inception Your source of inspiration: My mom Latest obsession: Sleight of hand magic tricks Favourite cuisine: Irani chicken biryani Ideal holiday spot: It's more about the company than the spot for me. Drool-worthy gadget: I guess the Iron Man suit

t’s been quite a journey for Taaha Shah, who arrived in Mumbai from Dubai less than two years ago with the sole aim of becoming an actor. Last year, he made his debut in Luv Ka The End. It was hard work and dedication for Taaha, considering the fact that he had not much of a background in films. Armed with just a diploma from the New York Film Academy in Dubai, he also honed his acting skills at the Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Institute in Mumbai. He bagged a three-film contract with Yash Chopra’s production house. Taaha is known to enjoy working out, the martial arts and adventure sports. From modelling to acting, we think that this rising star is going places!

would be the most drool worthy for me! Favourite clothing brand: Zara A sport you love: Parkour Passions: Acting, extreme sports, martial arts and the art of body motion. Must-hear music: I don't consider myself to be great at music. Although I'm a true Hindi music lover. It all depends on my mood. Perfect date: 4th base. Im sorry, but I don't know what to say! If it weren’t for acting what would you be doing? Plan B is for losers. There should only be a Plan A. And 'A' stands for acting for me! JULY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 111

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_HOROSCOPE

STAR

AQUARIUS/JAN 21 - FEB 20 Your focus on one situation can lead to a loss of objectivity. Take some time off and talk to close associates to regain clarity and focus. Family discussions could help you make a start at resolving certain issues that have been bothering you. You can enhance your financial security by discarding strategies that don’t really fit into the current scenario. Lucky Numbers: 1, 9 Lucky Colour: Grey Love Dates: 15th, 26th

PISCES/ FEB 19- MAR 20

AJAI RAI MADAN Astrologer, Numerologer & Aura reader

STRUCK

CANCER/ JUN 22 - JUL 22

You are likely to be in an optimistic mood, which will create the temptation to splurge. Don’t give in to persuasion while making expensive purchases or investment decisions. Be discreet when expressing your emotions to prevent others from misunderstanding your motives. Financial decisions may need to be taken with utmost care. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4 Lucky Colour: Brown Love Dates: 19th, 23rd

There will be opportunities to work in a dynamic and challenging environment. Your insights will be appreciated by colleagues but maintain a low profile as your enthusiasm could be misinterpreted. You are likely to develop new strategies for getting ahead on the career front. A new enterprise or business plan will be successful. Lucky nos: 4, 9 Lucky color: Green Love Dates: 19th, 28th

ARIES/ MAR 21 - APR 20

LEO/ JUL 23 - AUG 23

A popular Bollywood vedic astrologer takes you through your starry forecast this month SCORPIO/OCT 24 - NOV 22

A turnaround of events may appear to slow down your forward progress. Stay flexible in the face of such events and remain focused. Willingness to share credit will ensure that colleagues pitch in with their best ideas. There will be opportunities to apply your creativity that will turn unreachable fantasies into possibilities. Lucky Numbers: 5, 8 Lucky Colour: Blue Love Dates: 12th, 22nd

You are likely to be in an optimistic frame of mind and will find it easy to express your views. Promotions could come through in the near future. The timing is just right for you to embark on a new project. Spending time with family will be high on your agenda and stressful relationships will take a turn for the better. Lucky Numbers: 2 , 5 Lucky Colour: Yellow Love Dates: 16th, 30th

TAURUS/ APR 21 - MAY 21

VIRGO/AUG 24 - SEP 22

SAGITTARIUS/NOV 23 - DEC 23

You will be drawn towards projects that allow you to express your creativity. There may be elevation in position and you can expect good news work-wise. You might expand your horizons by learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby. Do set aside some time to deal with family problems, as you will be successful in resolving them. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8 Lucky Colour: Black Love Dates: 15th, 23rd

Your positive energy will get things moving for you in the right direction. Intellectualism, along with the exchange of right ideas will have a special significance for you. You will also seize opportunities for meeting new people and reinforcing close bonds. It is time to finally let your cherished dreams see the light of day. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7 Lucky Colour: Saffron Love Dates: 14th, 27th

Work will be hectic and you may have to put in extra efforts to meet deadlines. There may be sudden positive changes in your life and you will make connections with people of great status and influence. It is a good time to express your thoughts strongly as your cautious approach could be misconstrued by those who matter. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6 Lucky Colour: Violet Love Dates: 18th, 31st

GEMINI/MAY 22 - JUN 21

LIBRA/ SEP23 - OCT 23

New commitments will have a longterm impact, so carefully consider your alternatives before proceeding. Rely on a professional's opinion for making financial decisions. Romantic relationships may need to be re-defined. Discussing the situation with your loved ones could help you gain greater clarity. Lucky Numbers: 1, 6 Lucky Colour: Red Love Dates: 10th, 21st

Work pressures could increase but you will not be distracted from important tasks. Those desirous of higher education could hear of some positive news. You may be concerned about a close relationship but don’t rush to clear things; that might complicate matters. Singles might meet someone special. Lucky Numbers: 3, 7 Lucky Colour: Violet Love Dates: 17th, 26th

It is time for you to move in for the kill with tact; asserting your cherished views and backing them up with relevant information. Opportunities will arise from making firm commitments and integrating your goals into your daily routine. Having too many expectations might lead to disappointments. Try to be cautious and avoid complications. Lucky Numbers: 7, 9 Lucky Colour: White Love Dates: 11th, 29th

CAPRICORN/DEC 24 - JAN 20 You will need to be calm in the face of certain trying situations. Some of your new work methods may well be unorthodox but they won’t be risky. Hard workers will draw huge praise for their efforts and the results will be motivating. Romantic relationships will be quite stimulating and you may want to spend some quiet time alone with your partner. Lucky Numbers: 4, 7 Lucky Colour: Ivory Love Dates: 20th, 24th

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you th incor

uth yo incorporated

EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN www.youthincmag.com

> ` 50 9 MARCH 2012 VOLUME 1 ISSUE

EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN

www.youthincma

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 10 APRIL 2012 > ` 50

EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN

HORTICULTURE - CAREERS IN IN INDIA GREEN THUMB AL ARTS SCENE NURTURE YOUR / MIXED MARTI THE REAL IITS? (NO SMOKING) ES / ARE THESE BEAT THE BUTT NICATION COLLEG RKS GLOBAL COMMU ALUMNI NETWO IMPORTANCE OF

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CKP BA E U C K

POWER

WOMEN

POWER

I N GT ACK L I S T

g.com

HOLLYWO GO BACK OD CELEBS TO COLLEGE

orated

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 6 DECEMBER 2011

SPECIAL

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END OF THE WORLD: A MID-YEAR REVIEW A lot of people made lots of predictions for 2012. According to most of them, we are just six months away from extinction! Here's what they said and perhaps what they really meant. He was just trying to NOSTRADAMUS: describe the opening IN THE SKY WILL ceremony of IPL 5 or BE SEEN A GREAT maybe the Olympics, FIRE DRAGGING A with all the fireworks. TRAIL OF SPARKS. Nothing to worry about!

RAPTURE READY (A WEBSITE): THE WORLD WILL DEFINITELY END IN OR BEFORE DECEMBER 2012.

We would readily believe this if they hadn't predicted the end of the world wrongly in 1988, 1994 and 2011!

MOST CONSPIRACY THEORISTS: THE MAYAN CALENDAR ENDS IN 2012. How exactly would that kill everyone on earth? The calendar on my wall ends in December every year, but the human race hasn't really gone extinct yet.

CRAZY PSEUDO SCIENTISTS ON INDIA YOUTUBE: THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC TV: NORTH AND SOUTH POLES WILL THERE SUDDENLY BE REVERSED AND WILL BE WE WILL ALL DIE. FLOODS, This cannot happen suddenly, unless you EARTHQUAKES, count 7 millennia as suddenly. And ASTEROIDS AND even if it could, the worst that could VOLCANOES AND THE happen is the arrival of polar bears DEVIL HIMSELF WILL at the North Pole. Everyone uses APPEAR IN THE LAST DAYS Google Maps anyway and not TO KILL ALL OF US. compasses, so it's not even like we would ever get lost! Wait, isn't that too much? They've packed every disaster into their CRAZY 2012 CULTS: GIVE prediction and it's bound to fail. US ALL YOUR MONEY Just look at what happened BEFORE YOU DIE with K3G when it packed And what exactly will you do in too many stars! with it, if you're going to die too? BRITNEY SPEARS (IN 2011): OK, now I'm scared. SEE THE SUNLIGHT Let me go find a cult to WE AIN'T STOPPIN’ KEEP ON DANCING TILL THE give all my money to. WORLD ENDS

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